Obituary of Sarah Lee Chess
Sarah Lee Chess was born in Ridgeland, South Carolina on February 25, 1917 to the late Reverend Benjamin Thomas Sr. and Essie Tillie. As a child, Sarah attended public school in the Jasper County System.
In September of 1940, Sarah married Bryant Chess, Sr. As a result, Sarah’s first born son, became the eldest of five children, a daughter and four sons, born to her union with Bryant.
Following Bryant’s untimely death, Sarah and her children were part of the African American Great Migration in the 1950s, leaving the south for the promise of ‘better opportunities for people of color’ in the north. Before ultimately settling in Rochester, New York, Sarah lived in Syracuse for a brief time.
Early on, Sarah was employed as a waitress at one of Rochester’s finest restaurants of the mid-20th century, the Manhattan Restaurant. She later worked in various departments at Strong Memorial Hospital, including housekeeping, food service and medical laboratories. Following retirement from Strong Hospital, Sarah became a ‘foster grandparent’ in the Rochester City School District.
‘Mom’, as she was affectionately called by loved ones, enjoyed cooking and baking goods from scratch. Any kind of beans, collards and rutabaga were among her favorite foods. She shared her love of baking with her granddaughters, teaching them how to bake cakes, cookies, pies and bread pudding. Sarah loved to feed her family and friends. They would never go hungry with a place at ‘Mom’s’ table. Sarah also enjoyed crocheting and knitting. She loved to sell hats and scarves she crocheted with yarn and love.
Sarah was a devout Jehovah Witness for close to fifty years. She attended congregational meetings at the Kingdom Hall on Plymouth Avenue.
‘Mom’ passed away peacefully on Sept. 27, 2018 at 101 years young. She was predeceased by her husband, Bryant Chess Sr and sons, Frank & Joseph.
Sarah’s surviving children, Marie Chess McCullough, Bryant Jr (Asilee), Samuel (Lucille) & Harold (Brenda) Chess will not only cherish her memory but also uphold her legacy. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law, Lela Mae Thomas; and sister-in-law, Lou Alma Thomas. Four generations from her union with Bryant, including 22 grandchildren, 53 great-grandchildren, and 31 great-great-grandchildren have been blessed by Sarah’s love and wisdom. Sarah also leaves fond memories for a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. Her memory will also be cherished by Daisy Culbertson, special friend to the Chess family.
Funeral Service will be 11:00am FRIDAY, Oct. 5th at Miller Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc. (3325 Winton RD S), Graveside to follow at Riverside.
