Hedy Saylor was born Dec. 18, 1947, in Staten Island, New York, to Herman and Ellen Haas. Her parents operated several restaurants over the years, and she grew up working in the family business.
On Sept. 30, 1967, she married the love of her life, Richard “Dick” Saylor, and moved across the country to start their life together, in San Diego, California, where they lived for 27 years. In 1994, after Dick’s retirement, they moved to Tennessee, eventually settling in a home that she designed, in Sparta.
She loved animals and children, so her home and yard were filled with much-loved family, friends, and fur babies. Even neighborhood kids came and went like they lived there. She was a talented quilter and, in later years, learned how to create beautiful stained-glass artwork, sharing both talents through handmade gifts or teaching others.
Hedy was a generous woman who never met a stranger. Anyone was welcome in her home. Holidays featured large crowds that included military personnel who were unable to travel home, extended family and friends, and church members with no local family.
Hedy was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Fred (Debbie) Haas, who had resided in Dallas, Texas.
She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Dick Saylor, of Sparta; son, Brian (Tricia) Saylor, of Knoxville; daughter, Cheryl (Steven) Click, of Cookeville; four beloved grandchildren, Brianna and Will Saylor, of Knoxville, Rachel and Zoe Click, of Cookeville; and two brothers, Bill (June) Haas, of Cookeville, and Walt (Patti) Haas, of Clermont, Florida.
A celebration of life will be 11 a.m., Dec. 14, 2024, at Oak Lawn Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. In honor of Hedy please wear teal, bright blue, or your favorite color.
In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to Highland Rim Academy Building Fund. Electronic donations: https://highlandrimacademy.factsmgtadmin.com/give/
In person donations can be made at First National Bank to “Seek Ye First Ministries.”
Oak Lawn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
