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Amelia Cosby, affectionately known as Sarah, was born on January 9, 1946, in Orlando, Florida, to the late Mr. and Mrs. Zeb and Etherine Cosby. She attended elementary and secondary schools in Marshallville, Georgia, and graduated from D. F. Douglas High School in Montezuma, Macon County, Georgia. The eldest of six children, Sarah, alongside her mother, helped care for her younger brothers and sisters: Jacqueline, Joseph, Joyce, Levi, and Alice. She was more than just their big sister. In September 1964, her first child, a son, Robert (Eric), was born. Wanting a better life for them both, Sarah moved to New York. There, she joined her cousin, Barbara Blue (Tinker), and worked as a live-in domestic on Long Island. Their cousin, Queen Grant (Slyke) —the three of them, siblings’ children— joined them for one summer. They became, what can best be described as, sister-cousins. Together, they explored, experienced, and grew into young women, and venturing into the city was one of their favorite pastimes. On one of those girls’ nights out, Sarah met Mr. Willie B. Stanton, a young man from South Carolina who had come to the city for the same reason she had. Rooted in their southern upbringings, they built a family together, and Sarah’s second child, a daughter, Felisia, was born in June 1966. Two years later, Norbert followed in December. Sarah was a devoted mother to her children. She believed in exposing them to experiences that would expand their horizons, strengthen their confidence, and build character. Through programs such as the New York City Mission Society Cadet Corps and Minisink Townhouse, her children participated in leadership programs, the performing arts, award-winning drill teams, and were active members of The Warriors Drum and Bugle Corps, traveling during the summer months to compete, and attending sleep-away camp before school began in the fall. How she managed to send them on ski trips during the winters was as much a mystery as how Black mothers have made a dollar out of fifteen cents. While Sarah was a resolute mother, she was also a disciplinarian and played no games that were not on a board. Sarah built a life centered in family, faith, and service. A true community servant, she partnered with other benevolent women in her neighborhood who shared her commitment to positively impacting lives. Together, they strengthened relationships, encouraged community involvement, and created a safer environment for families. Her love for children and community extended far beyond her own family, and she helped raise many; whether related by blood or family by heart. She established summer breakfast and lunch programs, collaborated on traffic-diversion safe play streets, helped organize neighborhood block parties, and festively celebrated holidays to foster connection and joy. Sarah was passionate about unifying people in purpose and was among the trailblazing women in her West 174th Street Village, in the Bronx, 10453 neighborhood. Committed to personal growth, Sarah returned to school as an adult learner. She graduated with honors from Mandl School for Medical Assistants in New York, New York, earning her Associate’s degree. After graduating, she secured employment at Metcalf Health Center in the Bronx, and later continued her healthcare career at Metropolitan Hospital in New York City. Her nursing and midwifery skills were honed under the tutelage of OB-GYNs Dr. Michael Billick and Dr. Michelle Fallon. She served birthing women with compassion and dedication, until returning to Atlanta, Georgia, to care for her ailing mother. Sarah was witty, generous, spirited, and truthful. She said what she meant, and she meant what she said. Even when delivered with humor—and it rarely was not—truth was always at the heart of her words, and those she never minced. She laughed freely, welcomed others openly, and expressed love through two of her greatest gifts: service and care. Her table was a place of comfort, fellowship, and delight. Whether through a delicious home-cooked meal or one of “her talks,” she was a source of strength, guidance, and unconditional love. She nursed countless people back to health —family members, neighbors, those in the community, and even injured strangers. Sarah and care were synonymous. During her final days, Sarah was lovingly cared for by her grandson, Jacob Porter, who remained faithfully by her side until her peaceful transition. She closed her eyes in eternal sleep on Wednesday evening, July 8, 2026, at Emory-Midtown Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, surrounded by family. Her life, in action, was a testimony of love. Sleep Well, Our Beloved. Sarah was preceded in death by her parents, Zeb and Etherine Cosby, and her son, Norbert Leon Stanton. Amelia “Sarah” Cosby leaves to cherish her precious memory her children: one son, Robert E. Cosby of the Bronx, New York, and one daughter, Felisia Stanton Freeman of Harlem, New York; three beloved grandchildren: Philip W. Hughes of the Bronx, New York; Taylor A. Stanton of Morrow, Georgia; and Jacob P. Scarborough of Harlem, New York; one bonus granddaughter, Diamond Brooks of the Bronx, New York; and one bonus great-grandson, Rory Peppers of the Bronx, New York. She is also lovingly remembered by her two goddaughters, Alicia Kemp of Rahway, New Jersey, and Natalie Spence of West Milford, New Jersey. Sarah leaves to mourn two brothers, Joseph Cosby (Dorothy) of Atlanta, Georgia, and Levi Cosby (Pearl) of San Antonio, Texas; one sister, Alice S. Wolmack of Warner Robins, Georgia; her devoted cousins and caregivers, Mr. and Mrs. Carnell and Mickauna Tinker of Decatur, Georgia, whose unwavering love and compassionate care brought comfort and dignity throughout her final journey; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and lifelong friends; her dearest sister-friend and confidante, Ms. Mae “Pat” Trammell; and her loving neighbors, Ms. Lillian Stanley and Mr. Robert, all of Atlanta, Georgia, whose friendship, kindness, and steadfast support enriched her life. The Celebration of Life Service for Amelia "Sarah" Cosby will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026 at 11:00 AM. This service will be recorded and streamed live. If the event is interrupted at any time due to technical issues, the entire event will be uploaded and available to view later in the day. Please copy and paste the link to share, or simply click on the link to view the event. https://vimeo.com/event/6065071 Services entrusted to Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Home, 4347 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur, GA 30034

Tributes

Amelia "Sarah" Cosby

January 9, 1946 - July 8, 2026