Sarah Louise Brownlee, age 82, passed peacefully early morning of June 15, 2024.  Sarah was born July 29, 1941 in Lake Village, AR to the late Robert Oscar and Helen Morse Jarboe.  She is also preceded in death by husband John H Brownlee, sister Shirly Davidson, brother Dick Jarboe, and nephew Richard Jarboe.

Sarah is survived by:  Son Derek Brownlee, wife Sharon, and children and grandchildren of Sheridan, AR.  Granddaughter Amber, husband Zach Brooks, and children Holland, Ausslin, Luca, and Copper Brooks of Ankeny, IA. Granddaughter Brittney Jakus (Gaither), husband Zach Smith, and children Lenny Gaither, Kabee Smith, and Baby Boy Smith on the way of Beebe, AR.  Granddaughter Dixie Rivers Brownlee of Sheridan, AR.  Grandson Cameron Brownlee and wife Calie of Iowa City, IA.  Daughter Monique Harvey and husband Ricky.  Sister Linda Vogan and husband Richard.  Sister-in-law Jane Jarboe.  And many beloved nieces and nephews and their children. And she loved all the furr babies, hers and others, gone and present.  Stache the Cat slept with her every night in her last years and her other relatives, such as many cousins, and many dear friends. She loved them all so much. And took many fond and cherished memories to heaven.

After graduating Lake Village High School, Sarah went to Ouachita Baptist University and graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Art and teaching certificates in art and English.  She married her Ouachita love, John H Brownlee, and they moved to West Helena, AR.  She taught art at Central High School.  She had a love of art and of children of all ages.  After her children were born, she teamed up with longtime friend the late Sylvia King, and they opened a Merle Norman Cosmetic store in Helena, AR.  Sarah had that store for many years, and even a second in West Helena for a few years.  Merle Norman was a new way for her to express her artistic nature and color palette as she helped women of all ages find the perfect look.  After she sold this business, she worked for Something Special and again shared her artistic flare.  She loved these businesses and the people she got to know.  She was very involved with the churches she attended.  She taught Sunday School and helped with the youth ministry at West Helena Baptist Church.  But as grandchildren entered the picture, the desire to be Granny exceeded all others, and they moved to Maple Creek Farms, near Hensley, to be nearer to the dearest.  She involved herself with family and friends as long as her health allowed.  She was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2014, and it was late stages of this disease that took her to heaven, and by the grace and mercy of God she went as peacefully as she deserved.  She wore being a Christian proudly.  She always had a smile and helping hand for everyone she knew and met.  She was brilliant, funny, and beautiful inside and outside.  She was generous of heart and soul.  She had a smile that lit up her face and the room around her.  She loved art, antiques, genealogy, pets, family, and friends.  She loved the Bible and inspirational books and music.  The following isn't from those, but reflections that she would agree with … Maybe the greatest thing we do is not to be great, but to be meek, humble, a servant.  We learn from every breath that life is important, and even after the last breath we learn, and know life shouldn't be allowed to fade or to be taken for granted.  Every road has led you to where you are, to where you are supposed to be, and meant to be as intended by God. …  God has taken his good and faithful servant home.  She is singing, walking, and finding everyone on her family tree.  We were all graced and blessed by her presence.

Visitation will be 2:00 – 3:00 followed by service at 3:00 at Orion Missionary Baptist Church on Wednesday, July 3, 2024. Graveside will follow the service at Orion Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery.  Church address is 3826 Stagecoach Rd, Redfield, AR 72132.  Cemetery is across the street.  Funeral home is Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, Sheridan, AR, phone 870-942-1306.  Pallbearers will be RJ Spann, Richard Vogan, Ricky Harvey, CJ Davidson, Eric Davidson, and Aaron Jarboe. Sarah loved art and children, so in lieu of flowers please consider donations to the following:  ABC Homes and Family Ministries, March of Dimes, and Art Dept of Ouachita Baptist University.  Contact information for family can be obtained from the funeral home