Sara (Dumas) Mapp

Sara Ellen Dumas Mapp was a beautiful force of nature and a constant source of love, laughter, wisdom, and comfort. To know Sara was to experience warmth, kindness, and genuine joy. She was truly the heart of her family, living each day with grace, compassion, and a deep love for those around her.

Sara was born on December 19, 1947, to the late Mr. John T. Dumas and the late Mrs. Phobe Williams Dumas. During her early childhood, she spent several years in Macon, Georgia, where she was lovingly raised by her devoted aunt, affectionately known as “Aunt Mae Dee,” along with her cousins. Sara often shared that those years were filled with strong family bonds, love, and treasured memories that she carried with her throughout her life. Later, she returned to Milledgeville, Georgia, where she continued her upbringing and attended the public school system of Baldwin County.

On August 31, 1969, she met the love of her life, Richard R. Mapp, and the two were later joined together in holy matrimony. Their love blossomed into a beautiful union that spanned 56 wonderful years. Their marriage was built on faith, love, respect, and unwavering commitment. Together, they created a strong, God-centered home and shared a life devoted not only to each other but also to their children and family. In her later years, she joined Flipper Chapel AME Church, where she faithfully worshiped and served the Lord.

Sara was a dedicated and hardworking woman who took great pride in serving others. She began her professional career in the early 1970s as a dental assistant for Dr. Rogers at a local dental office in Milledgeville, Georgia, where she worked faithfully for several years. She later began a long and meaningful career at Central State Hospital in the Allen Building, where she served as a Health Service Technician for more than 30 years before retiring. While working there, she compassionately cared for individuals with developmental disabilities. She poured patience, kindness, and understanding into every life she touched. This work was not just a job to Sara, it was her calling and something that remained very close to her heart. Anyone who knew her would often say she had the patience of Job.

Sara was rarely seen without a smile. She was always pleasant, soft-spoken, and carried a calm and peaceful spirit. Those who knew her often spoke about her quiet strength. She had a gentle nature and a voice that reflected kindness and grace. Her words were thoughtful, and she had a special way of offering guidance that made people feel valued, encouraged, and understood. Her very presence brought comfort to many.

Sara believed deeply in helping others. It did not matter who you were, if she could help you, she would. She often worked quietly behind the scenes, giving from her heart without expecting recognition. She had a heart of gold and believed strongly in caring for those in need. Throughout Baldwin County, she helped many people in ways that few ever knew about, because she believed that serving others was part of her calling from the Lord.

Sara was a former member of the American Legion Auxiliary #523 of Milledgeville, Georgia, where she served faithfully during her time as a member. She later encouraged many of her family members to join, several of whom continue to serve today. She always encouraged others to stay involved in their community and to become faithful servants wherever they could make a difference.

Sara was also known for her unique sense of style and the pride she took in presenting herself with grace and elegance. She loved the color white and was often seen wearing a beautiful white top paired with her signature red lipstick,—something she wore like no other. Wherever she went, she carried herself with dignity, and grace, and an unforgettable smile.

More than anything, Sara will be remembered for her generous and loving heart. She was always willing to lend a helping hand, offer a kind word, or give encouragement to someone in need. Acts of service was truly her love language. Whether the gesture was large or small, she left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

On Friday, February 20, 2026, Sara peacefully transitioned from her earthly home to her eternal rest, surrounded by her loving family. Her presence in the lives of those who loved her was a gift beyond measure. She answered the call of her Heavenly Father and entered peacefully into eternal rest. Although our hearts are heavy with sorrow, we take comfort in knowing that she is now resting peacefully and rejoicing in the presence of her Savior.

Sara deeply loved her extended family of Jones County and Macon, Georgia. The Barber family, the Pounds family, and the Dumas-Jordan family. She made sure her children and loved ones knew the importance of family and kept those connections strong. She spoke of them often and made it a point to spend time with them whenever she was in Macon, whether visiting in person or staying connected through phone calls filled with love and laughter.

Sara leaves to cherish her precious memories her devoted husband, Richard R. Mapp of Milledgeville, Georgia; three beloved children, Shonya A. Mapp and Richard P. Mapp (“Gee”), both of Milledgeville, Georgia, and Dr. Cicily P. Mapp of Alpharetta, Georgia. She also leaves a devoted sister, Geraldine Dumas Holloway (Harold) of Milledgeville, Georgia; two sisters-in-law, Carolyn Griffin Anderson (Winston) of Moorestown, New Jersey, and Melvina “Pat” Mapp of Riverdale, Georgia.

She also leaves a host of beautiful loving nieces, nephews, and extended family members, and dear friends who will forever treasure her memory. Among those who holds a special place in her heart was her devoted caretaker, whom she loved dearly, Mrs. Joyce Evans-Roberson, and a special caring person; Her devoted neighbors of more than fifty years, the Hill family of Dunlap and Charles and Mary Birton; cousins-in-law, Calvin and Barbara Mapp and cousin, Eva Jean Mapp; and a dear friend to the family, Mr. Ronnie "Yonnie" Simmons; several devoted friend, Mrs. Mary Lawrence, Ms. Nashanta Liggins, Ms. Louise Bonner, Ms. Yvonne Foreman and Ms Debra Seals-Lumpkins, all of Milledgeville, Georgia, Ms. Genevie Fields of Brockton, Massachusetts.

Sara was preceded in death by her loving parents and six siblings: John Dumas, William Dumas, Willie Dumas, James Dumas, Thelma Dumas, and Joseph Dumas, all of Milledgeville, Georgia; her beloved grandson, Jalen D. Rivers;

Aunts: Elizabeth Pounds and Dinah Williams. Sister-in-laws, Mrs. Francina Stubbs-Dumas, Olivia Mapp-Willis, and Mrs. Joan C. Lundy.  Brother-in-law, Mr. Willie “Billyboy” Lundy. Nephews, James Dumas, Jr., Terry Dumas and Lester "Kenny" Reaves, Jr.

Sara’s legacy of faith, love, kindness, compassion, and quiet strength will forever live in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished.

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