Sara "Sally" Jane' Birdsong's Obituary
Sara (Sally) Aimée Jané Birdsong, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away January 29, at the age of 91, at her home in Covington, Louisiana.
Always vibrant and a delight to be around, Sally loved life and people, transforming the lives of all she touched. She taught us all “follow your heart and never regret.” She radiated charm, style, elegance, and generosity of spirit.
Sally, a native of Pascagoula, MS was born July 18th, 1920 where she lived with her parents, the late Edmond Joseph Jané and the late Frances Esther Frederic Jané. She met her husband Frank, then on active duty in the United States Army at the beginning of World War II. Sally and Frank were wed in June 1942, and they have been married for over 69 years. She served as corporate treasurer to the family engineering firm, Birdsong Associates, Inc. She was a graduate of Mississippi State College for Women with a Bachelor’s Degree in English and at the age of 64, she earned a Master's Degree in Drama and Communication from the University of New Orleans.
Her career was wide ranging: fashion model, screen actor, professional makeup artist, wardrobe coordinator, business executive and teacher. Sally was President of Fashion Mannequins, taught modeling at the Barbizon School of Modeling, was Fashion Editor for the University of New Orleans Video Program, and was Mrs. Louisiana 1962.
Throughout her life, Sally always supported others and many causes. She was a member of the following organizations: Women’s Council Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of Mother’s March of Dimes from 1968-1969, Screen Actors’ Guild, American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA), Women in Film – Louisiana, Louisiana Engineering Society, charter member of New Orleans Jaycettes, Fashion Group International, MSCW Blacklisters Honor Society, Phi Theta Kappa, American Women in Radio and TV, Children’s Hospital Guild, the Press Club of New Orleans and St. Tammany Parish Hospital Guild.
She is predeceased by eight brothers and sisters and survived by her devoted husband of 69 years, Frank, and three children, Frank Allen Birdsong, Jr. (Virginia), Sally Jané Birdsong Woods (John), and Edmond Ker Birdsong (Robin) and her 11 grandchildren and one great grandson on the way.
Visitation will be Saturday, February 4th, 2012 from 10:00 A.M. until 12:00 noon at E. J. Fielding Funeral Home, 2260 W. 21st Avenue, Covington, LA 70433. A Funeral mass celebrating her life will follow at noon in the funeral home chapel.
Interment in Pinecrest Memorial Gardens Cemetery will be private.
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