Sarah Lavada Duffield

Sarah Lavada Duffield Beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend, went to be with our Lord on March 21, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee, at the age of 94. She was born on September 22, 1930, in Woodbury, Tennessee, to Dallas Isiah Sissom and Carrie Ann Parker.

Sarah moved to Nashville after completing her high school education at Howard High School, where she also pursued additional studies in business. A successful businesswoman, she owned and operated Noble’s (Lavada’s) Restaurant in Brentwood, Tennessee, for 18 years. In 1975, she relocated her restaurant to Parkway Towers in Nashville, continuing to serve her community with warmth and dedication until her retirement, which came after a back surgery.

Throughout her life, Sarah was known for her strength, resilience, and generosity of spirit. She was deeply devoted to her faith, family, and friends, and she touched the lives of all who knew her with her kindness and vibrant personality. Sarah’s legacy of hard work, love, and compassion will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate to know her.

Sarah was preceded in death by her dear husband, Alva A. Duffield; her parents, Dallas and Carrie Sissom; her sister, Charlotte Wright; her brothers, Norman Sissom and infant brother Loyde Dale Sissom; and her nephew, Stanley Smith.

Sarah is survived by her children, Larry R. (Marylou) Malone and Sandra (Al Ketner) Malone; her grandson, Michael (Alexandria Shelton) Malone; her great-grandson, Maxwell L. Malone; siblings, Wyoma Cox, Roy (Wanda) Sissom, and Cenna (Winford) Smith along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family members, along with special friend who she considered family.

Sarah’s love for her family was immeasurable, and she was a source of unwavering support for her children, always ensuring they knew the depth of her love. Her kind and loving spirit made a lasting impact on everyone she encountered. Despite facing numerous health challenges throughout her life, Sarah never questioned God’s plan, never asking, “Why me?” She fought through every trial with grace and perseverance, never allowing bitterness to take root in her heart, and she continued to fight until her last breath. She was a member of Brentwood United Methodist.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Pastor Walker and church family, along with the doctors: Dr. Hyatt Sutton and Rhonda, Dr. Natalie Dixon and Tennessee Oncology, Mr. and Mrs. Dr. Eskins, Dr. Webb, and Dr. Maddox, for their compassionate care and support during Sarah’s final years.

A visitation will be held on Friday, March 28, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 1:00 PM at Woodlawn Roesch-Patton Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 660 Thompson Lane, Nashville, Tennessee.

In lieu of flowers please donate to Brentwood United Methodist, or American Cancer Society.