Sarah Rachel Lay, known and loved by many as Sis, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and faithful servant of God, passed peacefully surrounded by her loving family on January 6, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, devotion, and unwavering faith.
Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance and celebration of her life on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at Collins-Burke Funeral Home. Visitation for family will be held from 3:00–3:30 PM, followed by visitation for friends from 3:30–5:00 PM. The funeral service will begin at 5:00 PM.
Born on November 12, 1943, in Walker County, Alabama, Sarah was the daughter of Wilburn and Colema Aaron. She was raised with values that remained constant throughout her life and were evident in the way she loved and cared for others.
After graduating from Curry High School, Sarah moved to Fairfield, Alabama, where she met the love of her life, Donald Lay. They were married on August 10, 1962, sharing 63 years of marriage filled with commitment, laughter, and deep devotion. They later returned to Walker County, where together they lovingly raised their three beautiful children.
Sarah pursued higher education at Walker College and the University of Alabama. She was known for her entrepreneurship, becoming the successful owner of multiple businesses, and was admired for her strong work ethic and determination.
Although successful in many endeavors, family remained Sarah’s greatest joy. She cherished time spent with loved ones and was deeply proud of her family.
She will be remembered for her tremendous sense of humor, her unwavering devotion to her family, and the countless lives of family and friends she touched through love and kindness.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Wilburn and Colema Aaron; five brothers, Charles Aaron, Denton Aaron, Dwight Aaron, Darrell Aaron, and Kelvin Aaron; and one great-grandson, Lucas Alexander Hines.
Left to cherish her memory are her beloved husband, Donald Lay; her son, Kelien Lay and wife Teri; her daughter Connie Campbell and husband Mickey, and her daughter Sherry Lay Dickerson; her seven grandchildren, Kaci Campbell Hines, Erin Campbell Miner, Kody Dickerson, Karly Dickerson Wade, Logan Campbell, Tanner Lay, and Ethan Lay; seventeen great-grandchildren; and one sister, Laura Aaron Browning and husband Mike; and a host of other family members and dear friends.
