Addie Sawyer VanderMel

Addie Sawyer VanderMel passed away November 26, 2017 in her home with family by her side. Born in Princess Anne County on April 18, 1936, she was 81. She was preceded in death by her husband David VanderMel and by her parents, Everett and Mary Sawyer. She is survived by her four loving daughters Virginia Pauley (D.J.), Susan Godwin (Lynn), Joyce Wassum (Wes), and Amy Shepard (Steven); three sisters, Joyce Rawls, Mary Easter (Elgia), and Grace Woody (David); one brother, Bill Sawyer (Phyllis). In addition, she is also survived by seven grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Addie was a very loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister and sister-in-law. Each of her family held a very special place in her heart and in her life. She was a life-long member of St. John’s Baptist Church and was very active in its many organizations and activities. After a long career, she retired from the City of Virginia Beach Department of Agriculture. A celebration of Mrs. Addie VanderMel’s life will be held on Wednesday, November 29 at 11a.m. at St. John’s Baptist church followed by a reception in the church social hall. A graveside service will follow at Rosewood Memorial Park at 1:30 p.m. A gathering of friends and family will be held on Tuesday evening, November 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Smith and Williams Funeral Home, Kempsville Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. John’s Baptist Church Building Fund, 2300 Holland Road, Va. Beach, Va. 23453 or to the Hospice and Palliative Care of Tidewater at www.hpctidewater.com. The family would like to extend a very special thank you to Dr. Michael Ryan and staff, and also to a very special care giver, Catha Cuffee for the care and compassion that each has shown to Addie and the family. Friends may offer condolences at www. smithandwilliamskempsville.com.