Dr. Sasser was my preceptor for the primary care program in my first year of medical school in 1996 at The Medical College of Virginia (MCV).  He said I was his first student!  It was such a wonderful experience getting to work with Dr. Sasser.  He taught me the very first elements of gathering a patient history and performing a physical exam.  He was infinitely patient and kind. I remember him asking patients to come in just for me to practice my history-taking and physical exam skills.  He also taught me the basics of suturing.  He was just SO kind and smart and gracious!  His love for medicine and his patients was obvious.  I enjoyed my experience with Dr. Sasser so much that i asked if he would allow me to do a 4th year elective rotation with him.  Of course he said yes!  Dr. Sasser even attended my MCV graduation in May 2000.

I continued to keep in touch with Dr. Sasser through letters.  I remember attending his 70th birthday party in Monpelier.  He was always so encouraging to me, especially when I was fighting depression and doubting myself as a medical professional.  I will ALWAYS remember him.  Thank you, Dr. Sasser!  And thank you to his family for sharing him with me!

In my mind, he will always be Dr. Ladybug as Ladybug was what he called each and every student nurse at JW.

I did not know your Dad, Juanita, but I got to know you a bit when we were in the prayer room and in children’s ministry.  After reading about your Dad, I can see how you have a heart like he did and how proud he must have been of you!  I have been blessed to know you with your sweet spirit, and will be praying for you now and in the days ahead❣️
With love, Sandy Nylander

It was a privilege working for Dr Sassor and Joan learning a bedside manor that is hard to come by. He compassion was a great addition to the Montpelier area after Dr lowry retired.  He lived doing what he loved with a family that supported him. I wont forget him explaining everything from an alcholol lamp use to you dont always need bloodwork to test for something to rule it out (go grab me a pickle- not sweet), and he loved to share his knowledge from the little sticky notes on my desk with the corrected spelling of medical words to quizing me to why was he asking for something. He influenced a pathway for my career choices.  My thoughts are with the sassor family at this time. Memories you have will stay with you a lifetime.

Thinking of you and your family ;  My deepest sympathy;

Dr Sasser blessed my family more than once with his medical expertise... Thank you for taking care of us All .. you help me take care of my Mom and Dad till they went to the Lord. I couldn't have taken Care of them at home without you to guide me... You were the best Doctor that any of us ever had.
Condolences to Family and Friends.

Susan Howell Wootten Samuel in memory of 
John and Ann Howell whom you helped till there was no time left .

Precious Dr. Sasser sewed up my head as a toddler in Ashland and sewed up my hand as a freshman nursing student at Johnston Willis. He always championed the student nurses and was a dear friend to all at JW. He always called my husband a southern soldier. We will always love  and  miss Frank and Joan.
Debbie Goodman
Johnston Willis School of Nursing Class of 1975

One of the kindest and .most caring physicians I had the pleasure to work with at Johnston Willis Hospital  .Always supportive of nurses and all employees.   May he rest in peace.

What an honor it was to know Dr.Sasser.  I attended Johnston-Willis Hospital School of Nursing when he was the student health physician.  He was a kind man and called each of us “ladybug”.   It was a pleasure to see him when he attended our alumnae luncheons.  I offer each of his family members my deepest sympathy and hope your fond memories with him keep him close in your hearts forever.

My deepest sympathy to the family of Dr Sasser. What a special man, doctor and friend to thousands. He was both my  and my wife’s doctor for years, and a beloved and trusted friend. There is so much I’d love to say about my friend, but the words needed I just can’t put together at this moment.

OBITUARY

Frank Matthews Sasser Jr.

November 6, 1929 – November 1, 2025

Nelsen Funeral Home & Crematory - Reid Chapel

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