Sally Duryea Floyd
November 19, 1952 – August 15, 2026
Sally Duryea Floyd was colorful, complicated, funny, faithful, fiercely independent, and entirely herself. She was sweet and sour, smart as a tack, and a bit of a smart ass. She could make you smile, and she could make you sigh—sometimes in the very same conversation.
Born November 19, 1952, in Nyack, New York, Sally’s life took her from New York to Arizona, Massachusetts, and eventually Tennessee. Along the way, she built a career centered on people and problem-solving, working as both a project manager and a family and substance abuse counselor before her retirement.
Sally loved Jesus. She would pray with you and pray for you. Over the years, she was part of the Vineyard Church family in Massachusetts and City of Faith Church in Tennessee.
She was particular about particular things. She knew just by looking if a tea bag steeped for longer than 2.5 minutes, if corn on cob boiled longer than 10 minutes, or if pasta was anything other than al dente. She could use thread, Velcro, and command strips to make anything function the way she wanted it to, and always prioritized function over fashion.
She also knew how to have fun. Sally loved a themed party, fun and funky headbands, flowers, bright colors, and laughter. Man, her laughter could fill a room and warm a heart.
Helping people help themselves was more than Sally’s profession; it was something she believed in deeply. She was willing to say hard truths and do hard things when she believed it was what someone needed.
Of all the chapters of Sally’s life, one of the most important was the one she shared with the love of her life, David Floyd. Together they built a life that continued to matter deeply long after David’s death.
Their family included children Darlene Torre, Toni Guffey, and Charles Floyd, and son-in-law Jim Guffey; grandchildren: James Guffey, Nick Floyd, Justin Floyd, Hayley Pattillo, and Shelby Lin, along with their spouses; and five great-grandchildren, along with their spouse.
Sally was preceded in death by husband, David Floyd; father, David Duryea; mother, Ruth Morris Duryea Conklin; and brothers, David and Russell Duryea.
She is survived by brothers, Arthur and Jon Duryea; and nephew, Arthur and niece, Dana.
Sally died August 15, 2026, in Ashland City, Tennessee, at the age of 73.
True to Sally’s no-frills nature, she didn’t want a memorial service. Her wishes will be honored with a private interment.
In lieu of flowers, honor Sally in a way she would recognize: be a friend to a stranger or include the outsider. Take care of widows, orphans, and those who feel abandon. Be your funky self and walk free from the confines of social convention. Add color and beauty to the world around you. Laugh with your whole self.
Condolences may be sent to Austin & Bell Funeral Home, 6316 Highway 41A, Pleasant View, Tennessee 37146.
AUSTIN & BELL FUNERAL HOME in Pleasant View assisted the family with these arrangements. 6316 Highway 41A, Pleasant View, Tennessee 37146 (615) 746-4433 www.austinandbell.com
