Sara Barry

Sara Latham Barry, 89, passed away on January 24, 2026, within 25 miles of where she was born at home in the community of Pocahontas near the town of Carbon Hill in rural Walker County. But between her birth on February 18, 1936, and her great trip to Heaven, she travelled far and wide in the world. Sara was the daughter of Clarence and Clemmie Latham who knew the challenges and daily struggles that come with the Great Depression, farming, coal mining, and eventually living in Bessie mining camp. But Sara said there was much love at home with her parents and brothers and went on to affectionately say, “We didn’t know we were poor.” From those humble beginnings, Sara went on to marry, have her son, Mike Whalen, and have a successful career as a Trade Specialist for almost 25 years with the International Trade Administration. She travelled nationally and internationally to recruit business to Alabama and received many accommodations and awards for her hard work, friendly and welcoming attitude, and her genuine interest in people. She was an accomplished piano player who continued to play gospel songs even though her memory was failing. She was a true gracious southern lady and a very generous and giving mother and grandmother. She was a devoted friend to many and had a very close circle of friends who met at McDonald’s for coffee and to share each other’s burdens and joys. She was blessed to have such devoted friends. Sara also used her talent for meticulous detail and poured many hours of research into chronicling her family tree, becoming quite an accomplished genealogist and family historian. She is preceded in death by her husband Gene Barry, her parents Clarence and Clemmie Latham, brothers and sisters-in-law Dick (Jean) Latham and Dan (Bobby Nell) Latham, stepson Don Barry, and ex-husband Gene Whalen. She is survived by her son Mike (Amy) Whalen, stepchildren, Jeanette Barry, grandson Matthew Watkins, and great-granddaughter Brooklyn (Riley) Harmon. She also had many nephews and nieces, including special nephew and niece Sam (Colleen) Latham and Diana (Harry) Ponder. She was a faithful member for many years of Arnold’s Chapel Methodist Church where she will be laid to rest alongside her loving husband Gene Barry. She will be greatly missed by her family and her devoted friends that stuck by her through it all. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. New Horizon Funeral Home directing. 205-648-2323

Sara Barry

February 18, 1936 - January 24, 2026