Obituary of Sara Margaret Karow

Sara Margaret Thigpen Karow "Margie" (87) died peacefully this morning, April 27th, in her home, "Merrily" in McIntosh, Florida surrounded by family, friends, and neighbors. Margie was born in Martel, Florida in 1922 and moved to Ocala in 1925. She attended Eighth Street Elementary School in Ocala and the Westminster School ( NAPS) in Atlanta, Georgia. Margie was married in 1943 to Davenport Jackson Karow of Savannah, Georgia. In 1969 Margie and her family moved to McIntosh. An avid historian, Margie was instrumental in establishing the Friends of McIntosh organization in 1973. She conceived of and initiated the McIntosh 1890's Festival, in an effort to raise funds to relocate and restore the train depot. That event now attracts over 40 thousand people annually. Over the years Margie has organized quilt shows, established scholarship funds, published cookbooks, spearheaded community beautification projects, and organized numerous civic activities including "Light up McIntosh". She could often be seen watering the town park and weeding the common areas. She served for more than a decade on the Board of the Marion County Historical Society and as its President for several years. Margie was responsible for listing McIntosh on the National Historic Register. She has been an active member of the McIntosh Presbyterian Church. Margie is survived by her four children; Sara Margaret Thigpen Karow Roess (Mitzi), Robert Jackson Karow (Bob and Libby), Catherine Davenport Karow Addington (Katie and Bill) and Aminta Davenport Karow Crevasse (Minnie and Buddy), eight grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. They will cherish the memory of her constant presence at every sporting event, awards ceremony, and milestone of their lives. There will be a memorial service to celebrate her life on Saturday morning at the McIntosh Presbyterian Church.