Written by Karen Lyddane, Dick Johns, Louise Stowe-Johns
Sarah Housley has many moves to her credit. The first was being brought home from the hospital in Vicksburg, Mississippi, “just east of the river.” Along the way, she managed to gain and keep a lovely soft accent. It is such a pleasure to hear her talk!
Sarah’s father worked for a company and earned many promotions. Each meant a move, usually to another state. She’s lived in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, Indiana, Illinois, and Virginia. Mobility has accompanied Sarah throughout her life, from childhood through married life and after.
Sarah met Carl Housley at East Tennessee State College (before it became a university). In southern style, her wedding gown was long, white, lacy, elaborate-perfect for their church wedding. Carl wanted to teach, so he pursued higher education which led to a PHD in Economics. Soon, they learned all about beautiful Florida weather. Moving to Indiana was a turning point, for their first son was born. Carl’s job at Southern Mississippi University was another precious time, for their second son arrived. His name was unusual, for he was the second child, “the Junior, instead of his older brother.” South Carolina was their next stop, then Lynchburg, Virginia. Her home was a nice three-bedroom house in a fairly new neighborhood. But Sara began looking around…
Most of her neighbors were in their mid-30s, with small children, and careers. They came home, had dinner, then stayed in their homes afterward. Sara was older; her children were grown by now. Two of her close friends had passed away. She missed them and realized how much they filled her life. There was not a lot of housing selection for her.
Sarah’s life took a surprising turn while living in Lynchburg, for more than one reason. First, her marriage came to an end. She stayed in Lynchburg, though, and years later, was happily living in a retirement community, where eventually she started noticing certain things were deteriorating. There was a good reason-her community had been sold to a developer, who wanted everyone to move out so it could be remodeled into a higher care facility.
Her increasing unhappiness caused her sons to come up with the best solution possible. They promised her a wonderful place to live. There was a catch, though. Her new home was to be near her son who lives in the Fairfax, Virginia area. After a tour at The Woodlands, they felt it was the best place for her new life.
She moved into The Woodlands on June 24 of 2025. In winter, she suffered a health issue. While away in rehabilitation, her apartment was restored from the incident. New paint, cleaned carpet, and many personal, delicate details were given a gentle touch. Coming home to a delightful environment made such an impression on Sarah. She finds the food “exceptional.” “I didn’t consider all of the extras I have until I had my health issue and needed them.” She feels she is physically better than she was because of the physical therapy offered at the sister community next door, The Gardens.
“You should look for a place that meets your needs, and where the people seem to be enjoying their lives and are healthy.” “When I toured next door at The Gardens, people seemed to be engaged in Life.” “Because that is what Life is all about.”
