Sara Jacobs Fisher could decide, take charge, and get things done. Nothing is more complex and, therefore more precious, than being able to decide. When she made a decision, in her fashion, she moved things along with speed. On March 5, 2024, Sara passed away in her home surrounded by loved ones.
Sara Fisher was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on May 27, 1942, to Lucretia and Clyde Jacobs. Sara graduated from Oklahoma University with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts; later in life, she earned her master’s degree from Pittsburg State University, became a registered art therapist and a master gardener. She worked with children and abused women and mothers at the Lafayette House and Freeman Hospital in Joplin, MO. Through the years, she also focused on photography, traveling to schools throughout Missouri for an Artist in Residency program, spending two weeks at a time at high schools, and teaching photography to students. Later in life, she purchased the old Joplin Richard’s Market and turned it into an art studio and then a business, Studio Greenhouse, selling orchids, topiaries, and garden equipment.
Sara was an idol to more than just her children. She was someone to look up to, respect, and admire. She could get things done, and there wasn’t much she couldn’t do alone. She had a creative eye and mind; she was a sparkplug, a doer, and always the artist. She was ever-changing, with beautiful gardens around her home and throughout Joplin. She could build a deck, paint a house, lay tile around her pool patio at 75 five years old, hand paint every decorative tile for her pool design, wire lamps, rewire electrical outlets, tar the roof of her house, design and paint faux tile floors on commission, Sara could do anything she set her mind to…and no one could stop her.
Sara lived well and traveled well throughout the world. She often spoke of Vietnam and Switzerland as two of her favorite travels. She was an active member of the Joplin community, helping organize and design numerous Joplin Parks. She was a lead designer of the Butterfly Memorial Garden in Joplin, along with other gardens throughout the city. She was part of the Chert Glades Chapter Missouri Master Naturalist, a supporter of Wildcat Glades, an active member and volunteer with the Joplin Humane Society, on the board of Post Art Library, and a proud member and volunteer for the Democratic Party. Along with staying busy helping the city of Joplin, she was well-loved by her friends in various groups: Saint Avips, Spiva Art Center, Petal Pushers Garden Club, Happy Booker Book Club, Dinner Group, and Movie Group. Sara was active her entire life, bringing joy to all those who knew and loved her.
Sara was a cherished wife, mother, and grandmother and is loved deeply. She is preceded in death by her mother, Lucretia Jacobs, her father, Clyde Jacobs, and her beloved husband, Roger K. Fisher. She is survived by her son, Madison Love Perkins II of Joplin, Missouri, her daughter, Adrianne Octavia Pifer of Marietta, Georgia, and her two grandchildren, Jasper Pifer of Marietta, Georgia, and Bryson David Pifer of Marietta, Georgia; her siblings, Daemon Jacobs of Oklahoma, Keaton Forde and Diana Tracy both of California.
In lieu of flowers, and as an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to Chert Glades Chapter Missouri Master Naturalist c/o Jasper County MU Extension or
Joplin Humane Society: https://www.joplinhumane.org/donate.html
9 Responses
To Sara’s family, Madison, Adrianne & family,
I was so sad to learn of Sara’s passing. She was a wonderful lady with a heart and I was so glad to know her. I was able to help her a few years ago with some travel to New York, and remember all the good things she accomplished. She helped Faithful Friends in Neosho, and cared about all the animals and the world. You have my sincere condolences and again deeply sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Karol Mayer,
Lovely memorial. It is well written and presents a beautiful picture of a life well lived. Much love and sincere hope for peace for her whole family.
Sara was instrumental in helping with the Overlook Project as we rebuilt Cunningham Park after May 22, 2011. She was a wonderful lady who was fierce and caring. You always knew exactly where you stood with her. I am so sad to hear of her passing. To her family, your mom was a wonderful woman and her loss is a blow to many of us. I will miss our conversations very much.
Sara -an amazing lady! She was sassy, funny, assertive, strong, smart, intuitive, brave, honest, loving, and so MUCH FUN. She was a great fiend to my mother and she was a great friend to me. When I think of growing up in Joplin (and coming to visit as an adult) I have so many wonderful warm memories, and Sara is right there in those memories. I remember her impeccable taste, how much she loved animals, her amazing art, her strength and her wisdom, all the laughs and the tears we shared. The thing I loved the most about Sara, was she was always herself, no matter what and she inspired others by being so. I know she is up there wherever “there” is, laughing, creating, and working to shape up the place. I will miss her!
Adrianne, Madison-sending so much love to you both!!
To my dear sister Sara, I know you’re listening because nothing is lost in the Christ spirit of the universe.. I am so glad late in life. We mended our hearts connection to each other.. I’ll miss the secret midnight phone calls was laughter and tears and wisdom shared that only siblings can know.. Thank you for driving from Oklahoma to Florida to pick me up with Dad when I had run away.. I still see you coming up the walk saying Diana. We’re not going to let him drive. He stops every 10 minutes for a rest… He’s always protected me and loved me and known me for my difference.. help me with my art garden ideas.. Thank you for selling that beautiful lilac checked outfit in the 1950s when I tried out for cheerleader and one.. You were always the mother I never had.. I have been grief but I know you’re free.. and meeting once again your beloved husband Roger and you’re laughing at children. Probably fishing somewhere in the universe.. I feel you now and always will. Love your sister Diana
Correction to my post. Thank you for sewing that beautiful lilac outfit when I try out for cheerleader. And thank you for being my protector not he. I didn’t know how to correct my post. I feel your presence today. Rest dear sister, I love you Diana
My dear cousin Sara was a joy to know. We shared many happy memories growing up and playing together. She will be dearly missed.
Dearest Cousin Sara. There are so many memories — the good times and the bad times — From babysitting you and your sisters & brother when you were a toddler to your being at my side when I was grieving over a loved one’s loss — We had a lot of laughs over the years, as well as a lot of tears — And you did such a good job raising those sweet children too! You’ll be missed so much, but I’ll be comforted knowing that you’re with the Lord.
With love, Paula
I first met Sara as she was an advocate and supporter of the nature center at Wildcat Park, importantly during its formative years. She was always personally supportive of related efforts and had an unparalleled sense of humor. She was very proud of her wildlife and plantings and would show them off to anyone that would look! – Tony Robyn
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