Sarah Branciere Abernathy

Sarah Branciere Abernathy, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on October 8, 2024, in Brandon, Mississippi. Visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Friday, October 11, 2024, at Lakewood Funeral Home in Jackson, Mississippi. A Memorial Service will immediately follow at 2:00 p.m.

Sarah was born on January 4, 1929, in Laurel, Mississippi to Mellie and Dave Branciere. When Sarah was a young girl, the family moved to Morton, Mississippi, where she resided through high school. She graduated from Morton High School and later graduated from Hinds Junior College with an associate’s degree in business.

Sarah worked for Interstate Life Insurance Company after graduation where she met the love of her life, Thomas Abernathy. The couple were married in 1952. After working for two years in insurance, Sarah became employed at Bell South/ AT&T and eventually retired from there with 36 years of service.

After retirement, she worked at Candlestick Fitness Center and volunteered at Hinds General Hospital. The joy of her life was spending time with her daughter, Myrna, her three grandchildren, and dog sitting Myrna’s Boston Terriers. Sarah was a very talented dancer and enjoyed ballroom dancing with her friends.

She was a long-time member of Epworth United Methodist Church until it closed in 2009. She then attended Brandon Baptist Church and loved her ladies Sunday school class. She also was a member of the Mississippi Pioneers of America.

Sarah was a friend to everyone she met and left others feeling as if they were her best friend. Her continual goal was to stay in touch with family and friends. She frequently called to check on them to make sure they knew how much she cared for them and loved them.

Throughout her life, Sarah embodied grace, warmth, and dignity. Her presence will be deeply missed but her spirit will live on through the countless lives she touched. In remembering Sarah, let us carry forward her legacy of kindness, compassion, and a passion for life.

Mrs. Abernathy is survived by her daughter Myrna Daves (Darryl), her grandchildren Delaney Daves, Zachary Daves (Brittney), and Erika Daves of Nashville, Tennessee. She is preceded in death by her husband Thomas W. Abernathy and her parents, Mellie and Dave Branciere.

The family would like to thank Taylor and Kim from Baptist Hospice for their kindness and loving care.