Sara Joyce Derr

Sara Joyce Derr, born January 28, 1926, in Memphis, TN, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2026, at her home in Aiken, SC, at the age of 100. Her life was a shining example of devotion, faith, and love for her family.

Sara was the daughter of Elmore Aurelius Copeland and Edna Adams. She married James Henry Derr, Jr. in Baton Rouge in 1943. Together, they raised three sons while living in Lake Charles, Orange, TX, and Beaumont, TX, before returning to Lake Charles. Following Hurricane Laura, she moved to Aiken in 2021 to live with her son Jeff and his family.

Sara is survived by her son Jeff Derr and his wife Laura of Aiken, her son John E. Derr of Lake Charles, LA and her daughter-in-law, Linda Derr of Austin, TX. Her legacy lives on through her grandchildren Vanessa Lively, Sarah Reynolds and her husband Tommy, Zach Derr and his wife Anna, and Aaron Derr and his wife Makela, as well as eight great-grandchildren: Bennett, Wesley, Eliza, Wyatt, Morgan, Emilia, Jeremiah, and Nico. She was predeceased by her husband James, her parents, her brother George Copeland, her sister Jamye Knight, and her son James Henry Derr III.

Her faith, a cornerstone of her life, brought her joy and strength, and she cherished her church community. Sara enjoyed Christian bible study as well as swimming, and gardening.

A graveside service will be held at Prien Memorial Park in Lake Charles at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements by Shellhouse - Rivers Funeral Home, Aiken, SC.