Sarah Phariss

Sarah Carolyn Phariss was born on February 18, 1931, to the late John Hillard  and Flora Elizabeth Simmons in Birmingham, Alabama.  Sarah fell asleep in death on February 1, 2022, with her daughters by her side, holding her hand and singing her favorite kingdom melodies.  Sarah was a gifted artist and a retired floral designer.  She loved beautiful flowers and created elegant custom floral arrangements for weddings, businesses, and beautiful homes.  Living in Birmingham, Alabama, most of her life, she was a huge Alabama fan, and on Saturdays in the fall she could be found watching the game with family, dawning her Alabama Crimson Tide blanket and yelling, “Roll Tide!” at every touch down.  She enjoyed listening to music, watching old movies, and discussing bible scriptures with her children, grandchildren, and loved ones in her congregation in Knoxville, Tennessee. She was a devout Jehovah’s Witness and held firm to her faith until the very end.

Sarah was blessed with a large, loving family and was simply known as “Muss” to all those that loved and adored her.  She had a very strong, unconditional love for each and every one of her children and grandchildren.  Her sweet smile and gentle voice will be dearly missed by all whose lives were touched by her.  She is survived by her daughter Carol (Rich) Bahakel, daughter Sandra Dianne Schillaci, daughter Vanessa Kaye “Casey” Ganier, daughter Rosemarie, “Geri” Sullivan, son Jeff (Joyce) Polston, son David Ray, eight grandchildren, 13 great grand-children, 3 great, great grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews that adored her.  She is preceded in death by her parents, late husband, Donald Phariss,  daughter Linda Dutton, brothers Louis, Johnny, and Ray Simmons, and sister Dorothy “Dottie” Holmes.

A memorial service will be held via zoom on Saturday, February 26 at 1:00 pm eastern. Brother Jack Wilson officiating. All are invited.
Zoom ID 331 548 525
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