Sarah Galyon Jortner

Cordova - Sarah Galyon Jortner, age 98, passed away on February 21. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend.

Sarah was born in Knoxville, Tennessee in 1926 and spent her childhood there. She taught herself to sew and also became an accomplished pianist in high school. She met and married John Dorian in 1948, and they moved to Memphis, where they started their family. They went on to have six children.

As a mother and homemaker, she organized many school fundraisers, sewed dresses for her daughters, and hosted countless Easter egg hunts and birthday parties. The house was always a hive of activity and music.

Sarah married Marvin Jortner in 1970 and they blended their families. As the kids grew up and moved out, Sarah pursued her passion for needle arts and sewing, becoming successful in the areas of tailoring, smocking, French hand sewing, clothing construction, heirloom sewing, and embroidery, among many others. Her creativity and eye for detail resulted in beautiful garments, which she often gifted to friends and families. She shared her incredible talent through teaching for over 40 years in Memphis and surrounding areas.

Sarah had a good sense of humor and could also laugh at herself. She was lighthearted, easygoing, and open to new adventures. Though she was a social butterfly with Bunco, parties, and her many sewing guilds, she was equally content to spend hours sewing a new project.

A cat lover and avid gardener, Sarah's rose garden was a tapestry of color. She enjoyed both a sunny day and a summer thunderstorm. She was tenacious. In the face of adversity, she dug in her heels and showed determination. Though her passing leaves a void in her family's lives, her legacy of creativity, fun, and family will stay with us.

She is survived by her six children and their spouses: Chris of Aiken, SC, Steve (Virginia) of Memphis, Teresa of Knoxville, Jeannine Vesser (Mark) of St. Louis, Pat of Memphis and Jennifer Buckner (Kenny) of Memphis.

She was the grandmother of eight: Ben Vesser (Melissa), Elyse Vesser (Derek), Katherine Dorian, James Dorian, Alex "Bucky" Buckner, Jack Buckner, Isabella Dorian and Emily Dorian, and great grandmother of two: Benjamin and Anna Vesser.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Memphis Jewish Home for their compassionate care of Sarah during the past year. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to The Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County.

Mrs. Jortner's service will be held on Friday, April 5, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. in the Rotunda at West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery.