Mary Virginia Sawyer

Mary Virginia Williams Sawyer, the widow of R. Everett Sawyer, and a native of Newland, North Carolina passed away July 3, 2013 in Sentara Princess Anne Hospital after a long illness. She was born November 1, 1914. She was 98. The 68 year union of Mary and her husband leaves behind strong Christian legacy for the surviving family which consist of 4 daughters: Addie Sawyer VanderMel; Joyce Sawyer Rawls; Mary Sawyer Easter and husband Elgia; Grace Sawyer Woody and husband David; and one son, William E. “Bill” Sawyer and wife Phyllis, all of Virginia Beach; 13 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by one brother, Frank S. Williams, Jr. of Chesapeake. She was predeceased by her parents, Frank Spence and Bertie Hewitt Williams, one brother, Richard Williams, and two sisters, Mildred Sharber and Grace MacLaurin, and by her loving sons-in-law, John Rawls and David VanderMel .

Until her health failed, she was a very active member of St. John’s Baptist Church. She was a very dedicated teacher of the Fidelis Sunday School class for many years. Her professional career spanned the Virginia Beach Court system where she held the positions of Deputy Clerk of the Virginia Beach Municipal Court and then Deputy Clerk of Virginia Beach General District Court, a position from which she retired.

She was a loving and devoted wife to her husband, and a caring and doting mother to her 5 children and their spouses, as well as a loving and interested "Nana” to her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great- great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank those caretakers from Eldercare, especially Angie and Lisa for their firm yet compassionate, professional, and expert care during her illness and incapacitation. In addition, the family wishes to recognize and thank those day care givers, especially Harriett, Francine, and Cathy who have given such excellent care with a gentle compassionate spirit. We, also, thank the wonderful nurses and staff of Sentara Princess Anne for all of their care and compassion during these recent days of hospitalization.

The family will receive friends form 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, July 5th at Smith and Williams Funeral Home, 4889 Princess Anne Rd., Virginia Beach. A funeral service will be held at St. John’s Baptist Church, 2300 Holland Rd., Virginia Beach, VA on Saturday, July 6th at 11 a.m., with Charles Atkinson officiating. There will be a reception immediately following the service in the church social hall. Interment will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Norfolk at 2:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. John’s Baptist Church, 2300 Holland Rd., Virginia Beach, VA 23453 to be applied to their Building Fund, or to a charity of your choice.

You may pay your condolences at www.smithandwilliamskempsville.com.