Sarah Claire Bryan — born Sept. 18, 1936, to the late Paul and Sue Mary Burger of Manchester, Tennessee — passed away on Jan. 2, 2025, at her residence in Fayetteville, Tennessee. Survivors include her children, Steve Bryan (Dianne) of Franklin, Tennessee, Diane (John) Florida of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Matthew (Beth) Bryan of Petersburg, Tennessee; grandchildren, Morgan (Michael) Busey, Candice Bryan of Harrison, Florida; and Nathan Bryan; sister, Betsy Allen of Stone Mountain, Georgia; and brother Ken Burger of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

Sarah was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bob L. Bryan; and her sisters, Mary Michaels of Orlando, Florida, and Paulette Holly Hecklinger of Antioch, Tennessee.

Sarah retired from Redstone Arsenal as a test control officer for Army Personnel Testing, where she received several letters of commendations and awards over the years for her work supporting the soldiers. Because of her deep love for children, she also volunteered as a CAJA (Court Appointed Juvenile Advocate) of Madison County, providing a voice for children in crisis situations.

Sarah was a devoted mother and grandmother who loved the Lord, her country and spending time with her family and friends.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, at United Methodist Church Cemetery in Hillsboro, Tennessee. There will be no visitation prior to the graveside service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital, a local animal shelter, or any charity helping those in need.

In addition, the family expresses their deepest gratitude to each staff member at Lincoln Manor for the kindness and loving care Sarah received during her residency there.

Higgins Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Sarah Claire Bryan.