Brenda Helen Popham Sasser

Brenda Helen Popham Sasser, affectionately known to many as Nana and Aunt Bea, passed away on July 30, 2026, at the age of 79. A resident of Lexington, South Carolina, Brenda previously lived in Savannah, Georgia, where she and her beloved husband, Jeff, raised their four children.

Born in Ridgeland, South Carolina, on November 11, 1946, she was the daughter of West Manning Popham and Helen Raye Sanders Popham. On February 14, 1970, Brenda married Jeffery Rutland Sasser at the Tillman Baptist Church in Tillman, South Carolina. Their union was later sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple in Utah on January 22, 1973.

A natural caregiver, Brenda earned her Registered Nurse (RN) degree from the Warren A. Candler School of Nursing. She was notably part of the program's final graduating class of just ten students on August 9, 1968. Throughout her long and diverse career in nursing, she was deeply compassionate and brought immense comfort to those she cared for.

Above all, Brenda was the most selfless, giving, and loving person, cherished by all who were blessed to know her. A true Southern lady, she expressed her love through cooking and even published her own cookbook filled with her best recipes—which were the beloved centerpiece of family dinners. While everything she made was delicious, she was most famous for baking the absolute best biscuits.

Brenda loved tending to her garden and cherished family vacations to the beach, where memories were always made over a low country boil and homemade ice cream. Family reunions were a highlight of her year, as her family was her greatest treasure—especially her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild.

A valiant and devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Brenda was an elect lady of God. She provided countless hours of service through her many church callings, serving as a leader in the Primary, Young Women, and Relief Society organizations, as well as a seminary teacher for high school students. She also found great joy serving as an ordinance worker in the Columbia, South Carolina Temple.

Brenda was preceded in death by her parents, West Manning Popham and Helen Raye Sanders; her sister, Joyce P. Murray; and her beloved son, Jeffery Scott Sasser.

She leaves behind a beautiful legacy and is survived by her devoted husband, Jeffery Rutland Sasser; her children, J. Craig Sasser (Nicole), Brandy L. Reese (Jason), and Kristine Ellen Sasser; her three grandsons, four granddaughters, and one great-granddaughter; her siblings, George Manning Popham and Peggy P. Horton; as well as several nieces and nephews who were extremely important to her.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 917 Grays Hwy, Ridgeland, SC 29936. A viewing will take place from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM, with the funeral service beginning at 1:00 PM. Interment will immediately follow at Ridgeland Cemetery, 300 Ingram St., Ridgeland, SC 29936.

Services are under the direction of Sauls Funeral Home of Ridgeland. For those who wish to send flowers, they may be delivered to Sauls Funeral Home at 310 W. Adams Street, Ridgeland, SC 29936.