Sarah Jane Thompson Ernst of Charleston, Arkansas, died Sunday, August 4, 2024, at Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville, Arkansas. She was born on November 24, 1935, in Benton, Arkansas, to the late Burl Thompson and Beulah Floyd Thompson. She was 88 years old. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 60 years, Fred Ernst; and a daughter-in-law, Melody Blair Ernst.

For several years, Sarah was a teacher and a social worker. She was a retired area manager for the Department of Human Services in Fort Smith. She was a member of the Franklin County Democratic Women's Group, North Franklin County Library Board, First United Methodist Women's Group, and faithful member of First United Methodist Church in Charleston. Sarah loved her family and friends very much and will be missed by everyone who knew her.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, August 9th at First United Methodist Church in Charleston, with Rev. Claire Thompson officiating. Inurnment will be in the columbarium at First United Methodist Church in Charleston. Cremation and services are under the direction of Brotherton Brothers Funeral Home and Flower Shop in Charleston.

She is survived by her two sons, Brent Ernst of Maumelle, Arkansas, and Blair Ernst and wife Sarah of Bella Vista, Arkansas; her sister, Martha Virden of Morrilton, Arkansas; three grandchildren, Megan Petrarca, Beau Ernst and Benjamin Ernst; and one great-grandson, Dominic Thompson Petrarca.

Honorary pallbearers are Donna McDonald, Bethany McGuyer Williams and Leisha Callan.

To place an online tribute, please visit www.brothertonbrothersfuneralhomes.com.