Sally Jean Clifton

Sally Jean Clifton, age 76 of Byron Center, Michigan, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on August 23, 2026. She was born on October 4, 1949, in Richland Center, Wisconsin, the daughter of Lester "Lec" and Irma McCauley of Holiday, Florida. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to many.

Sally was previously married, and they created a family that would become her greatest source of joy. Later on, while Sally was making a career as an aesthetician, she met and fell in love with Thomas “Tom” Clifton. She would become the love of Tom’s life, and he was Sally’s eternal love. They got married on June 29, 2006, making their home in Byron Center, Michigan. Sally loved feeding the stray animals, birds, ducks, and whatever showed up on their deck. Their love and life together were a treasured part of Sally's story.

She is survived by her husband, Tom, and her children Craig (Jill) Duhr of Salina, Kansas; Jon (Kris) Duhr of Hartford, Wisconsin; Jessica (Jim) Musser of Lowell, Michigan; Josh (Heather) Duhr of Lake Odessa, Michigan; and Katy (Jason) Hall of Caledonia, Michigan. She also has two stepchildren Courtney (Sarah) Clifton and Jeanne Clifton. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She was a proud grandmother to Dustin Duhr, Derrek Duhr, Kirsten (Trent) Gorges, Colton (Leah) Duhr, Lexi (Caleb) Much, Bryce Duhr, Brady Musser, Bralyn Musser, Brynlie Musser, Quinne (Trevor) Sherman, Isabelle Duhr, Brenden Duhr, Trevor Hall, Grace (Kevin) Pratt, James Hall, Macy (Johnny) Rorie, Violet Hall, Jacob Clifton, Allie Clifton, Ameerah Taylor, Willie Taylor, Jr., Jayce Taylor, and Aaliyah Taylor. She was also blessed with numerous great-grandchildren, who brought her tremendous happiness and gave her even more precious memories to treasure. She is also survived by siblings Danny (Sue) McCauley of St. Augustine, Florida, and Susan Brady of Richland Center, WI; and several nieces and nephews.

Family was at the center of Sally's life. She cherished family gatherings, conversations, celebrations, and simply being together. The time she spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was especially precious to her. Although dementia took most of her memories from her, we will always hold our memories with her dear to our hearts.

Sally's passing leaves a tremendous emptiness in the hearts of those who loved her. Yet her family will continue to carry her with them—in the stories they tell, the memories they share, and the love that she gave so freely. She will be remembered as a strong, loving woman whose family meant everything to her.

She was preceded in death by her parents Lec and Irma McCauley; brother, David McCauley; and grandchildren Zachary Duhr and Jordan Swarts.

A celebration of life is planned for next summer or fall. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresbyron.com in their online guestbook.