Sally Irene Burger Deese

A graduate of Brown High School and Georgia State University, Sally earned her bachelor’s degree in Music Education. She dedicated her career to shaping young lives, teaching at Clairmont Baptist Church Preschool, Evans Elementary, Mountain Park First Baptist Preschool, Smoke Rise Kindergarten, and later as a Special Education teacher at Pharr Elementary, where she continued to substitute after retirement.

A gifted pianist from the age of seven, Sally faithfully served as a church pianist and organist in numerous congregations, including Clarkston Baptist Church, Mountain Park First Baptist Church, Sunrise Baptist Church, and Abilene Baptist Church. She shared her talent at countless weddings, funerals, and special occasions, always using her music to bless others and glorify God. Wherever she attended church, she poured her heart into serving the Lord and the people around her.

Sally met the love of her life, Michael, through his parents Bill and Lib Deese, and together they shared 47 years of marriage, faith, and devotion to family. She was known for her caring, selfless, and kind spirit, her witty personality, and the way she made everyone feel welcome. She made legendary chocolate chip pancakes for her daughters’ friends. She loved to laugh and delighted in singing, reading, cooking, mountain and beach trips, and watching bluebirds. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her grandchildren and being there for anyone in need, living out a heart of service every day.

She is survived by her loving husband, Michael; daughters, Stephanie Smith (Robert) and Jennifer Deese; her grandchildren, Madison and Isaac Smith; her sister, Martha McCord; and her brother, Charles; sisters and brothers-in-law; cousins; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Eleanor Burger.

Sally’s life touched countless people, and her legacy of love, service, and joy will live on in all who knew her.

A visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Bernstein Funeral Home, 3195 Atlanta Hwy., Athens, GA 30606.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Extra Special People (ESP), 189 VFW Drive, Watkinsville, GA 30677, https://espyouandme.org/donate/

Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.