Sarah DeFriese, 91, of East Ridge, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 23, 2017, surrounded by family.
She was born to the late Jesse and Letha Richey Pearson. Her family was a pioneer family in the Birchwood area. The family moved to Ooltewah after TVA bought their farm.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Leonard DeFriese; brothers, Hobson Pearson and Atlee Pearson; sister, Irene Walker.
Mrs. DeFriese served in the Hamilton County Registrar of Deeds office for 24 years and was then elected on an Independent Ticket to Hamilton County Registrar of Deeds. She served on many statewide boards and committees.
Survivors include a son, Spencer (Nancy) DeFriese; daughter, Frankie (Larry) Bobo; brother, Bob Pearson; sister, Mary (Dr. Billy) Allen; grandchildren, Rodney (Kelli) DeFriese, Renee (Robert) Walker, Susan (Wade) Robinson, Karen McLaughlin, and Dr. Angie (John) Dempsey, and Patti (Dr. Jason) Bennett; and many great grandchildren to the 5th generation who she loved dearly.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 26, at the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday and 10-11 a.m. on Wednesday.
Memorial donations may be made to Vanderbilt Medical Center, Education and Research Heart Fund, 1211 Medical Center Drive, Nashville, Tn. 37232 or the charity of your choice.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanoogaeastchapel.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist-East Chapel, East Ridge.