Sarah Marie Stigler-Terry

With hearts full of love and gratitude, we celebrate the life of Sarah Stigler-Terry, a remarkable woman who touched countless lives with her strength, warmth, and faith. On June 5, 2025, at the age of 84 years, 6 months, and 2 days, Sarah completed her earthly journey and returned home to the Lord.

Born in Carrollton, Mississippi, Sarah was the youngest of 11 siblings, raised by her devoted parents, Louis Stigler and Olga Hemphill-Stigler. She carried their legacy forward, living a life of love, hard work, and unwavering faith.

After graduating from Marshall High School in 1961, Sarah spent time in Chicago, Illinois, before moving to Indianapolis, IN, where she lived most of her life, building a beautiful home filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories.

She first married William Duckworth, with whom she had two children, Yolanda Duckworth(deceased) and Olga Hoosier. Later, she married James Terry, with whom she had her youngest child, Trinette Terry. Though she endured the loss of her husband and daughter, Sarah remained a pillar of strength, always leaning on her faith to carry her forward.

Sarah found spiritual joy and fellowship as a longtime member of Eastern Star Church, where she was active in the Senior Saints Ministry. Later, she became a devoted member of Fall Creek Church, where she participated in the Sunday School Ministry. Her faith was the foundation of her life, and she led by example, spreading kindness, wisdom, and encouragement to those around her.

Her dedication extended beyond her family and church into her hardworking career. Sarah spent her years employed at Meridian Hills Country Club, along with working as a private housekeeper, and later at Methodist Hospital as an Environmental Service Technician until her well-earned retirement.

Sarah was more than a worker; she was a caregiver, a guardian, and a nurturer. She selflessly cared for her eldest daughter and one of her beloved sisters, and she became a guiding force in the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend, offering unconditional love, laughter, and wisdom to all who knew her.

She cherished the simple joys of life like yelling at the TV at the players when she is watching the Indianapolis Colts and Indiana Pacers, following her favorite soap operas, and attending Jazzercise with friends at One Penrose. She found happiness in shopping, traveling, spending precious moments with family and friends, and playing games on her phone. Even as her health made things more challenging, she never lost her positive spirit, nor did she waver in her faith as she fought a good fight.

Sarah was preceded in death by her parents, 6 brothers (James, Simon, Charles, Benny, George, and Herman), 4 sisters (Mary Jefferson, Mildred Curry, Ruby George, and Olga Mae Stigler), husband James Terry, and daughter Yolanda Duckworth.

She leaves to cherish her memory her 2 children, Olga Hoosier and Trinette Terry; 12 grandchildren, Marlina Swanson (Rayford Brown Jr.), Mahari McGinty Sr., Hazel Muhammad, Warren Hoosier II, Daniel Hoosier, Gregory Johnson, Lorenzo Johnson, Tre’von Johnson, William Johnson, Trineesha Johnson, Alisha Hooks, TyShawn Jordan; 13 great-grandchildren, Marayna and Rayana Brown, Kalleyah Powell, Kristian Bailey, Zarah, Azeeza, and Yalina Muhammad, Mijah, Josiah, Deovion McGinty, and Mahari McGinty Jr., Dakota Johnson, and Makenzie Hooks, along with several nieces, nephews, family members, and a host of friends.

Sarah’s legacy is one of love, resilience, and faith. Though she has departed this world, she has found peace in God's embrace, and we find comfort in knowing that we will meet again. Until then, her spirit lives on in each of us as her laughter, wisdom, and love will forever be carried in our hearts.

A visitation for Sarah will be held Monday, June 23, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Fall Creek Church, 8901 Fall Creek Road, Indianapolis, IN 46256, followed by a celebration of life at 11:45 AM.