Sarah Sue Brightman of McKinney, Texas passed away July 18, 2023, at the age of 86. She was born January 23,1937 to Prentiss Virgil and Dorothy Bernice (Tate) Compton in Whitewright, Texas. Sarah married James Morris Brightman on April 24, 1958 in Sherman, Texas.
Sarah is survived by her children, Tim Brightman and wife, Tracy of McKinney, Texas, Sue Morrow and husband, Robert of Brandon, Mississippi, and Jennifer Brightman of McKinney, Texas; grandchildren, Emily Brightman of McKinney, Texas, Molly Morrow of Atlanta, Georgia, Nicholas Morrow of Oxford, Mississippi, Jack Brightman of McKinney, Texas, and Matthew Moschel of McKinney, Texas; sister, Cynthia Compton Holloway of Whitewright, Texas; and host of other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, James Morris Brightman; and, sister, Constance Spath.
Sarah attended Texas Tech University and was a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority. After marrying Jim, they set out on their adventure with the Navy, living in many different places in the states and abroad. They both loved traveling and all the experiences that came with these adventures. Two of her favorite places were Spain and Whidbey Island, Washington.
Sarah really did not know how to cook when they married, but it became her passion and her love. As her husband advanced as a Naval Officer, she studied cookbooks, took classes and fell in love with trying new recipes and being a hostess for dinner parties. She truly loved the art of the table and was the epitome of a Southern hostess. Her love of food and entertaining was so inspiring that her daughter, Jennifer pursued a career as a chef. Her influence also gave Tim and Sue their love for cooking.
They were stationed on Whidbey Island, Washington for 6 years during the 1970s. A very long time for a Naval family. During that time, Sarah discovered what a green thumb she had and became an avid gardener. The family had a full orchard with a variety of apple, cherry and plum trees along with blackberry bushes. Sarah also started a large vegetable garden that fed the family. She absolutely loved roses and was amazing at growing them and caring for them. Many of her roses adorned her ball gowns, most of which she had sewn. Her skill with roses led to Jackson and Perkins having her test grow several of their new rose varieties.
During the early 1980s, Sarah worked in Couture Fashion at Frost Brothers. Sarah was always the epitome of style and grace. Later on, she pursued a career in fitness. She initially was the executive director of the Greenhouse Spa in Arlington. From there she ran the Spa and Salon at Nieman Marcus in downtown Dallas. In the late 80s, she was recruited to become Executive Director at the Phoenix Spa in Houston at the Houstonian. At this senior destination spa she became acquainted with many well-known individuals including Barbara Bush and Debbie Reynolds. Following her time at the Phoenix, she became Executive Director at the Spa at Barton Creek in Austin.
Sarah’s life changed in 1994 with the arrival of her first granddaughter. From that time on, Sarah was focused on the lives of her grandchildren, always ready to help with whatever came up for them. Sarah’s love for her family was felt by all and she will be sorely missed by her entire family. Sarah never met a stranger, she was the most kind, gracious and hospitable person you would ever meet, always full of compliments for others.
Sarah was very active in the Presbyterian Church throughout her life and was called to be a Deacon at her church in Austin, TX. She loved music and had a beautiful singing voice. Volunteering was a big part of Sarah’s life, in particular, teaching English as a second language, also in Austin. She was most recently a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church in McKinney.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, August 4, 2023, in the McCoy Chapel at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 5871 Virginia Pkwy, McKinney, TX 75071.
In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to The American Cancer Society or the Alzheimer’s Association.
Sarah will be laid to rest with her husband in the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery, Dallas, Texas.