Sara Beth Schaefer

Sara Beth Walley Schaefer passed away on Friday August 23, 2024 in Pascagoula, MS at the age of 78.

Sara was born on March 21, 1946 in Richton, MS to Luther and Vaudie Walley.  In the mid-1980’s, Sara met and married her beloved Bob.  Bob and Sara became partners in everything, enjoying many trips, league nights, and card games with their many friends until her stroke and his death in 2023. She had special friends, Jane and Harold Clark and Linda Broome who stood by her until the end. Their friendship was invaluable and sustained her especially during the past 18 months.

 Sara worked in many capacities over her 35 years with Singing River Hospital, completing the last years as Nurse Manager for the Oncology Department before her retirement.  She was instrumental in the formation of Camp Blue Bird a project she was passionate about. Sara’s incredible compassion for others was evident in the lives of those she cared for.   During her lifetime she faced many obstacles and she relied on her faith to see her through. She was a longtime member of Parkway Baptist Church.

She is preceded in death by her parents: her husband of 40+ years, Robert Schaefer; son, Daniel Byrd and numerous siblings.

She is survived by children, Scott Byrd, Dean Byrd (Michelle), Teressa Mercer (Brian), Gina Dresser (Tony), Mark Schaefer and Eric Schaefer; siblings, Avis Tisdale, Marsha McLain (Cowin). Krista Thompson (Pete); grandchildren, Shanell, Dana and Devon Byrd, Kerri Byrd, Jeremy and Aden Byrd, Stephen Cathcart and Julianna Mercer; and a host of friends.

Visitation will be Wednesday August 28, 2024 at O’Bryant-O’Keefe Funeral Home from 5-7 pm with funeral service to begin at 7 pm in the chapel. Interment will be Thursday at Union Cemetery located at 2626 Union Rd, Richton, MS at 11:00am. Condolences may be expressed online at www.obryantokeefe.com

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