Sarah Lee Spann

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of  Mrs.Sarah Lee Spann, 96, of Cross, South Carolina, who transitioned on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at her residence in Cross, South Carolina. Please adhere to all COVID-19 precautions and guidelines when visiting the family and funeral home.  Masks are recommended, but not required.

HER LIFE

A Time to be Born...Sarah Lee was born to the late Susan Ravenell Burney and the late James Burney, Sr. on May 12, 1930 in Cross, South Carolina. She was the one of three children. Her siblings James Burney, Jr. and Rosa Govan, preceded her in death. She was affectionately known in her family and in the community by many names. To her children she was known as “Mom”, “Mama”, “Suga Mama” or “Ma”. To her older grandchildren she was known as “Mama” and “Mom”. To her younger grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great great-grandchildren she was known as “Grandma”, “Grandma Sarah” and “Granny”. To Pastor and First Lady Sanders she was known as “Mother Spann”. To the Cross High Basketball team and to many in the Cross community she was known as “Ma Spann”. So no matter where she went, she was always seen as a nurturing soul and mother to all she met during her 96 glorious years here on earth. EVERYBODY LOVES SARAH LEE!

A Time For Every Purpose...She was reared and educated in the public schools of Berkeley County. At an early age, she was converted and became a faithful member of Jerusalem United Methodist Church in Cross, South Carolina. There she attended faithfully as one of God’s servants where she served as a member of the Choir, Sunday School, United Methodist Women’s group, Bible Study Group and attended all church board meetings. She would get up at 6am every Sunday morning to start getting ready for the 9am Church Service....3 hours before service started she was preparing herself because she said she didn’t want to feel rushed. That is how dedicated she was to whatever she decided to do.

A Time to Be Blessed...Sarah Lee Burney married Benjamin Jenkins Sr. on Sunday, January 18, 1948. Together they were blessed with six children: James, Julia Mae, Joseph, Benjamin Jr., Larry and John. Benjamin Sr. died on December 16, 1958. Sarah Lee Jenkins married James Spann Jr. on Wednesday, September 01, 1965. Together they were blessed with four daughters: Elaine, Geraldine, Susan and Laverne. James Spann Jr. died on September 29, 1978. From her children, she was blessed with 21 grandchildren, 52 great-grandchildren and 9 great great-grandchildren. Her daughter, Julia Mae, preceded her in death. Two of her grandchildren, Andre Palmer and Theodosia (Tisha) Huger, preceded her in death. Four of her great-grandchildren, Rylan Hunter, Jada Blackette, Ava Jenkins and Tiffany Jones, preceded her in death. 

HER LEGACY

A Time to Rest...In February of 2026, she was told she had Cancer but she never waiver in her FAITH. She said she told God that she would accept whatever he allowed and she kept her beautiful smile from the start of her sickness to the very end. When you look up strong in the dictionary, the definition you find is exactly what she was...STRONG!! She turned her health over to God and was at peace because it was in God’s Hands. She enjoyed her life and continued to love on her family and they did the same throughout her brief illness. EVERYBODY LOVED SARAH LEE! She was called from labor to Heavenly reward on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at 12:30 PM at her home in Cross, South Carolina surrounded by her family. Her wings were ready but our hearts were not.

A Time to be Remembered...Those who will always cherish her sweet memories are: Her sons: James Jenkins (Sharon) of St. Stephens; Joseph (Linda) Jenkins, Benjamin Jenkins, Larry Jenkins, John L (Jennifer) Jenkins, all of Cross. Her daughters: Elaine Spann, Geraldine Spann, Susan Spann, all of Cross, SC; and Laverne Spann of Charlotte, NC. Step-Daughters: Linda Hunter and Lillian Jenkins of Cross, SC; Bonus Daughters: Angela Mack of Goose Creek; Connie Singleton of Cross, SC; Bonus Son: Kenneth ‘Porter’ Spann of Columbia, SC; Her grandchildren: Sara Jenkins of Cross, SC; Michael Jenkins (Viveca) of Orlando, FL; Kerwin Squire (Tiffany) of Goose Creek; Daryus (Tameka) Jenkins of Cross; Adonis (Shanice) Jenkins of Moncks Corner; Kristal Spann, Christopher Spann both of Cross, SC; Nazier Jenkins of Cross, SC; Chasity Smalls of Cross, SC; Jasmine Jenkins, Brandon Jenkins both of Newburgh, NY; Terrell Dwayne Sanders of Cross, SC; Regina Rogers (Davante Theirse) of Pineville, SC; Naim (Courtney) Gaddist, Jerrell (Priscilla) Jenkins of St. Stephens; Vincent (Tyra) Thompson of Moncks Corner, SC; Michael (Latrise) Hunter of Indian Land, SC; Monica Hunter of Cross, SC; Catrina (Todd) Harr of Orlando, FL; Her great-grandchildren and great great-grandchildren; Her Nieces: Ruth “Pearl” (Edward) Pinckney of Cross, SC; Stephanie Govan, Sandra Govan, Stacy Govan all of Bronx, NY; Sister-In-Laws: Ethel Pinckney of Cross, SC; Wilhelmina (Calvin) Middleton of Moncks Corner; Brother-in-Laws: Willie Spann (Rebecca); Warnie Bennett, both of Cross, SC; Harold (Gloria) Spann of New Jersey and a host of other relatives and friends. 

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