Dr. Sara Goolsby Hoover

Dr. Sara Goolsby Hoover, 92, returned to her home with the Lord on Friday, September 17, 2021, surrounded by her loving family. A beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, the inimitable Dr. Hoover fearlessly carved her own path and built a rich, vibrant life for herself and her family. Born in Monticello, GA on June 11, 1929, she graduated from Georgia State College for Women with a B.S. in Biology/Chemistry in 1950, then went on to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor at Medical College of Georgia. After working nights and weekends to support her education, she became an M.D. in 1959 as one of only three women in her graduating class, then began working as an anesthesiologist at Erlanger and in private practice. During her time at Erlanger, she met and married Dr. John Hoover, with whom she raised four children and traveled the world while continuing to practice medicine.

Sara retired in 1996, but she remained a lifelong learner who never lost her passion for education and exploration. In her later years, she avidly studied German and Astronomy while also volunteering in the Geology Laboratory at the University of Tennessee. Meanwhile, she continued to travel eagerly and ultimately visited over 40 countries, including three medical mission trips to Nicaragua that combined her devout Chrisitian faith with her passion for medicine. On her final trip, a clinic was dedicated in her honor and known thereafter as “Dr. Sara’s Clinic.” Above all, Sara was a truly unique woman who was never afraid to pursue her goals or speak her mind, and her family and friends will carry forth her memory as a beacon to the power of curiosity, independence, perseverance, and faith.

Sara was preceded in death by her husband and is survived by her children Rhonda (Alan) Arnold, Sharon (Cary) Carver, Dr. John Hoover II, and David Hoover; grandchildren John (Peyton) Arnold, Logan Carver, Sara Hoover, and John Hoover III; and loving, devoted friends Norma Nofsinger, Michael Sowder, and Rachel Moon. The family would like to thank all the nurses and aides at Heartlite Hospice, including Kristi, Gay, Jenniffer, Erin, Ivey and Leanne, as well as caregivers Roxanne, Morgan, Ashley, and Jewell for their tireless and compassionate support for Sara during her last days.

Visit www.heritagebattlefield.com to share condolences with the family and view the memorial tribute.

A funeral service will be held at 2 PM Tuesday in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Brian Haney officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Dr. Hoover’s name to a charity of one’s choice.

The family will receive friends from 4pm to 7pm Monday at Heritage Funeral Home, 3239 Battlefield Parkway, Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia 30742.