April 4, 2022, 58, La Grange –
Dana “Sissy” Smith Sasser, 58, entered into the joy of her salvation on Monday evening, April 4, 2022 while in the comfort of her home surrounded by the love and warm embraces of her family. Sissy was born in Wayne County to Douglas Daniels Smith and Catherine Elizabeth Butler Smith on August 15, 1963.
As the branch manager for Southern Bank, Sissy spent the past 18 years in humble service to each of her clients. No matter the need, Sissy was constantly available, willing to stop whatever she was doing to offer assistance to her customers. Over the years, customers became friends and were treated like family. From assisting customers with balancing their checkbooks to maintaining a secret Christmas fund to help her clients in need, Sissy was always going above and beyond for her customers.
Confident in her thoughts and always willing to share them, Sissy was the go-to problem solver for her family. No matter the situation, she always knew what to do and how to handle it. She saw things very clearly with little area for compromise. When asked her advice, she would tell you what you needed to hear, even if you didn’t want to hear it. Always supportive, her words were offered in love. Through both words and actions, she helped to solve problems great and small. Sissy was a “mama” to everybody, looking after each one, staying involved in the day-to-day lives of her family, and constantly exhibiting care. She was the epitome of unconditional love.
Words of wisdom often came from Sissy’s lips as she utilized many fond sayings to get her point across. Most notably, she’d share the words, “If you lay down with the dogs, you’ll get up with fleas”, and “there’s no need for crying; all it does is give you a headache and a snotty nose”.
Teaching contentment to her children, Sissy lived life with both feet firmly planted on the ground. Sacrificing her own wants and needs to care for her children, Sissy taught them that family was the only earthly thing that mattered. Through her modeling of grace and strength, Sissy taught many virtues by simply living her daily life. When something needed to be accomplished, she wouldn’t wait around; she got to work and did it herself. Those who knew her best recognized her generous spirit, her life of service, and her constant desire to do more. Through her service to others, Sissy showed the face of Jesus to all she met.
Known to be quite the cook, Sissy’s family looked forward to every meal she prepared. Though everything was top-notch, their most fond memories center around the table filled with specialties including fried chicken, lasagna, chicken casserole, and chicken pastry. No one could cook better-scrambled eggs, and her vegetable soup was the perfect meal on cold winter days. For dessert, the best option was ice cream, no matter the chill in the air.
Through reading, Sissy was able to transport herself to many settings as she delved deeply into the novels she enjoyed. She looked forward to each new novel authored by John Grisham, James Patterson, or Nicholas Sparks, and even re-read her favorites multiple times. Feet in the sand, fishing off the pier, or riding on the boat were amongst Sissy’s favorite pastimes, as she spent almost every weekend at the beach with her family.
Recognizing family as her greatest joy, Sissy looked forward to each event that brought them together. Dinner with her extended family happened at least every Sunday and Wednesday. At home, her immediate family always sat down at the table to eat together. Enjoying food and basking in conversation brought the family a little closer each time they gathered.
As a child, Sissy got her nickname from her sister, Dina. “Dana” was just too hard to say, so “Sissy” became her new name. The bond with her sister and parents was strong and deep, and the glue that united the family became stronger with each addition. In 1981, Sissy married her husband, Chris, and spent over forty wonderful years together. Raising their three children together, Sissy knew how blessed she was. When grandchildren came along, they became her whole life. Knowing each one was unique, she never had favorites and loved them all with her entire heart.
A faith that was unbreakable, Sissy worshiped with her family at Hood Swamp Friends Meeting. Each member of the congregation was considered an extension of her family, as she loved them as her own.
A service to celebrate and honor Sissy’s life will be held Sunday, April 10, 2022 at 2 p.m. at Coker Memorial Church, 2643 North Beston Road, La Grange. A time of visitation and fellowship will follow.
In addition to her parents, Sissy is survived by her husband of 40 years, Chris Sasser; her children, Matt Sasser and wife, Bridgett, Tyler Sasser and wife, Erica, and Emily Sasser Johnson and husband, Bradley; grandchildren, Noah Sasser, Elizabeth Johnson, and Gatsy Sasser; step-grandchildren, Jordan Crawford and Landon Crawford; sister, Dina Smith Evans; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. Memorials may be made to Hood Swamp Friends Meeting, 710 Hood Swamp Road, Goldsboro, NC 27530. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.
