Sarah Jean Bishop Jauchler
Born 6/20/1929 Lamar, AR — Died 6/24/2018 Memphis, TN
Between those dates and within that dash she lived a rich and rewarding life.
She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Dr. Gerard W. (Jerry) Jauchler, her children Patricia Ann (Garth Garrett), Carolyn Sue (Walter Hall), Gerard W. Jr. (Kyle Harned), Jeanne Elizabeth (Greg Pohlman), and John Edward (Liz Mack). She is also survived by nine grandchildren, six great-grandchildren (plus two on the way), sisters Carolyn Castleman and Jean (John) Armstrong, brother Garth (Ellen Gameral) Bishop, sister in law Peyton Crawford Bishop, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brother Bill Bishop, her sister and brother in law Charlotte and Dick Puck, and her brother in law Dale Castleman.
Sarah’s father worked for the Missouri Pacific Railroad, which meant that Sarah’s early years were spent moving from Lamar to Caney, KS, and finally, when she was about 10, to Fort
Smith, AR. There, she received her education at Immaculate Conception Elementary School, St. Ann’s High School, and St. Edward’s School of Nursing.
After obtaining her registered nursing degree and license, she moved to New Orleans, where she worked at Charity Hospital. It was there that she met a young medical student named Jerry on a blind date. One thing led to another, and they got hitched in San Diego February 28, 1953, where Jerry was stationed at the Naval Medical Center as a Lieutenant Junior Grade.
Sarah thrived in the transitional and social lifestyle of the United States Navy, where Jerry rose to the rank of Captain, and which took them to many parts of the country: San Diego, Millington TN (two tours), Pensacola FL, China Lake CA; with a two-year civilian break in Richardson TX.
And did she have a love of adventure! She and Jerry hopped on no-frills military cargo planes for locations all over the world, from the South Pacific to Europe, Asia and South America, as well as all over the United States. She delighted in seeing new things, and always returned with stories of adventures and misadventures, told with her unique sense of humor, much to the enjoyment of all listeners.
She loved the game of bridge and was an avid player. She took great pride in being one of the better bridge players at Trezevant Retirement Community. She participated in games up to three times a week, rain or shine, and on good days (and not-so-good days).
Her proudest achievement was the huge role she played in ensuring a deep and lasting relationship among her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She considered this her legacy. She arranged family reunions for immediate and extended family, and orchestrated a monumental Mediterranean cruise accompanied by her children and grandchildren in honor of her and Jerry’s 50th anniversary. Her dying wish was that the family continue to hold biennial reunions to maintain our sense of closeness and enjoyment in each other’s company.
Sarah will be remembered for her stubborn determination and strength, her elegant style, her commitment to the health and well-being of her husband and family, and her ability to succeed despite numerous circumstances beyond her control. No life is ended until all the lives it has touched are ended. What is remembered lives.
