Sarah Ann Esmond

Sarah Ann Esmond was born on September 16, 1924, to Charlotte and Floyd Marsh in Pulaski, Tennessee. She peacefully transitioned to life eternal on June 11, 2023, at the blessed age of 98. Affectionately known as “Jocket” to her siblings for her shy demeanor and quiet spirit, Sarah passionately excelled at everything in life. Her parents emphasized the importance of Christian discipleship, education, and family as guiding principles for success in life. These principles became the cornerstone for Sarah’s life as she matriculated and graduated from Pearl High School in Nashville, and these same principles later became the foundation for own family.

In 1945, Sarah married the handsome Willie James Esmond and to this union five children were born. They united with Mt. Sinai Primitive Baptist Church in Nashville where she faithfully served over 40 years as President of Choir No. 1 where she sang first soprano and as a Sunday School teacher of the Young Adults Class.

Sarah worked for Meharry Hospital as a nurse’s aide. But she was thirsty for more and chose to pursue her passion for education and teaching. In the early 1960s, Sarah returned to school and earned a Teaching Certificate which allowed her to work as an educator in the Nashville Davidson County School System for over 37 years. Her gift was providing classroom instruction and support for students with special needs. Sarah’s work and accomplishments in the special education field were recognized in a ceremony during which she was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation for excellence in teaching by the Tennessee State Legislature and had a special day designated in her honor.

Upon retirement, Sarah moved to Atlanta, Georgia where she re-established her home among her children and grandchildren and enjoyed a full and rewarding life. She immediately associated with Cascade United Methodist Church in Atlanta where she attended faithfully for nearly three decades until she moved back to her home state of Tennessee to reside with her daughter, Brenda Jones, in Memphis.

An avid reader and jigsaw dissect-ologist, Sarah was, without question, the celebrated and honored Matriarch of her family. She was a devoted and loving wife and mother; a doting and ever-present grandmother and great grandmother; a kind and caring daughter, sister, aunt, and family member; a faithful friend; and an unabashed Child of the true and living God. Her laughter filled any room and was evidence of her zest for life, and her humor ─ which would catch many by surprise ─ was matched only by her keen observation as she rarely missed the essence of anything.

She leaves a legacy of education and a standard of excellence to her family. As a result, her children, and grandchildren deeply value education and a commitment to excellence and they continue to pass on those same values to future generations of Esmonds. Sarah proudly boasted that all of her children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren were college-educated and accomplished professionals. And she would explain that she was not bragging. Rather, she firmly believed that God was not going to do anything for anyone else’s children that He would not do for hers. But the greatest gifts Sarah leaves are the timeless and consistent examples she provided of love, faith, family, nurturing, honesty, wisdom, and humanity. Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren will always cherish her signature response when she would affirm without hesitation each and every time one of them expressed their love for her – “I love you more!”

Sarah Ann Esmond was preceded in death by her loving husband, Willie James Esmond; sons, James Hilliard Esmond, Walter Lee Esmond, and Little Marvin Esmond; parents, Charlotte, and Floyd Marsh; and 10 siblings. Remaining in this earthly realm to cherish her sweet, sweet memories are son, Jerry Wayne Esmond (Roberta); daughter, Brenda Jones (Christopher); 11 grandchildren; and a host of great grandchildren, other relatives, extended family, and friends.

There will be a time of visitation Saturday, June 17, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Hibbett & Hailey Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will follow at 11:00 AM. The graveside service will be at at Greenwood Cemetery, 1428 Elm Hill Pike, Nashville, TN 37210. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.HibbettHaileyFH.com for the Esmond family.