Emily Marie Fields Sabo

December 23, 1937 – August 7, 2026

Emily Marie Fields Sabo, of Texarkana, Texas, peacefully passed away on August 7, 2026, at the age of

88. She was born December 23, 1937, to L.C. “Buddy” Fields and Susie Marie Tatom Fields.

Emily was a true Texas woman, strong-willed and independent. Those who knew and loved her will remember her for her grit, her stories, and her loyalty.

Emily was a proud member of Redwater Church of Christ, and her church family held a very special place in her heart. In her younger years, she taught Sunday school and Vacation Bible School, sharing her faith and love for children with generations of young people. She treasured the love and fellowship of her church family, including preacher Chuck Puckett and so many others who were such a meaningful part of her life. Tony Estes, thank you for always graciously singing those songs she requested when she would show up first to church each Sunday, even though they had high notes that were hard to hit.

Emily loved politics and never shied away from being involved. She was a proud member of the Republican Women’s Club, served as an election judge, attended Bowie County Commissioners Court meetings, and remained closely involved in her community. She was even known to call neighbors about putting signs in their yards for her favorite candidates. Emily also would not take no for an answer.

Emily lived a life of service and hard work. She worked as a police officer and meter maid for the Texarkana Texas Police Department. After Earl’s term as Sheriff of Bowie County came to an end, Emily and Earl owned and operated the Korner Mart in Nash for many years, building a business that became a beloved part of the community.

The Korner Mart was open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and it definitely was the place to be. Every holiday, including Thanksgiving and Christmas, people came from all over the Four States area because it was the only store open. If you happen to be there on grocery delivery day, you most likely had to help stock the shelves.

It became a gathering place for familiar faces and good stories, with law enforcement officers regularly stopping in to enjoy a cup of coffee. Over the years, the Korner Mart became a place where people gathered, caught up with one another, and all would probably agree, more than a few characters passed through those doors.

Emily kept them all in line. She raised a few of them, kept more than a few out of trouble, and, if the stories are true, might have even taken a shot at one or two. That was Emily, she loved fiercely and stood her ground.

Emily bravely fought cancer over the last several years, beating it in 2023 and proudly ringing that bell! She always insisted she would live to be 100.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of the friends and physicians who helped Emily through this battle, including Delores, Ann, Gena, Sharon, her many neighbors including the Campbells, Lotts, Carliles, Harps, Nortons and so many others who offered their time, care, kindness, and friendship throughout the years.

She remained independent and active, still driving her pickup around town with her dear friend Betty Rich. The two would often go through their favorite drive-thrus and have picnics right there in the truck. Their friendship was truly special, and they became inseparable, especially after the loss of their spouses, Earl Sabo and Don Rich.

The family cannot thank sweet Aunt Betty enough for her selfless care for Mimi throughout the years. Betty was by Mimi’s side when she took her last breath, a final act of the love, friendship, and devotion she had given her throughout the years.

Emily was also blessed with the love and care of her second daughter, Jeannie Rich Chandler, her husband, Rob Chandler, and their daughter, Goldie, of Houston, Texas, who were a special part of Mimi’s life throughout the years.

Emily was one of six children in the Fields family. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Lydia “Frances” Eller, R.C. “Sonny” Fields Jr., Martha Jean Gaines, and William Carter “Dickie” Fields. She is survived by her baby brother who she adored and helped raise, Kerry “Mike” Fields of Mount Pleasant/(his wife Sharon passed away April 11, 2026), and many other nieces, nephews, and family members.

Emily was also preceded in death by her husband, Earl R. Sabo, who passed away on February 28, 2010, and her beloved son, Shane Sabo, who passed away on June 16, 2020.

She is survived by her loving daughter, Sabrina Sabo Birge, and her husband, Mike Birge, of Dripping Springs, Texas.

Emily was a proud grandmother to Whitney Woodard of New York, New York; Abbey Apple of Denver, Colorado, and her husband, Denton Apple; Anney Woodard of Washington, D.C.; and Seth Sabo of Georgetown, Texas. John Fletcher of Austin, Texas, was also a special part of her family.

From years of visits to Austin and their adventures to Chuck E Cheese, Kiddie Acres, dance recitals, drill team, volleyball, football, soccer, school plays, graduations, baptisms, college tours, vacations; she was there for it all. I know she was thrilled to see Abbey and Denton get married just two months ago, know that Whitney is moving back to Texas from that terrible New York City, and Anney getting her grad degree recently in May and starting her new job, and Seth pursuing his career in the plumbing industry. Her heart was full.

Emily’s family also included her pets and grandpets, Stevie, Tig, Baby Doll, Chloe, Lucky, Gus Floppy, Ava, and Daphne.

The family would also like to extend a very special thank you to Reavis Reynolds, Danny Cowley, and Vickers Fuqua at Chapelwood Funeral Home for their friendship, kindness and care.

Those wishing to memorialize Emily, donations are welcome to: Redwater Church of Christ, PO Box 229 Redwater, Texas 75573.

Courtesy of Texarkana Funeral Home.