Anna Mae Sayle

On the night of August 23, 2015, Anna Mae Sayle journeyed home to find rest and peace in the loving arms of her Heavenly Father. Born Anna Mae Corbin on August 3, 1925, she was the fourth of eight children born to the late Phillip and Eva Porter Corbin of Hampton, Virginia. Her parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, one sister, two brothers, and one daughter-in-law preceded her in death.

Anna lived all of her life in Hampton, Virginia faithfully serving the Lord at First Baptist Church. She served in many capacities including the Women’s Auxiliary Group and the Usher Board. Her dedicated service on the Usher Board spanned over 50 years and continued for as long as she was physically able. Generations of family can fondly recall her faithfully serving on her post. She also presided for a time over the Junior Ushers. Through the years, she profoundly influenced the lives of many of God’s future servants through her mentorship and godly example. Even in her final days with us, she encouraged her family to continue in the service of the Lord.

Anna was a member of the 1944 Class of Phenix High School. She became expertly skilled in her vocation, becoming a master seamstress. With a servant’s heart, she worked as an alterations specialist at Fort Eustis Army Base and several local businesses. With her entrepreneurial spirit, she was also a self-employed businesswoman; sewing for clients from her home office and tailor shop.

Anna loved her family beyond measure. She loved opening her home for family gatherings; Christmas dinner, Easter dinner, summer barbeques or “just because!” Her doors were always open for the love of family. “Gracious Goodness” was her constant prayer of gratitude to the Lord for the blessing of her family. Yet “Gracious Goodness” was her very essence and her gift to her family. She was a vessel of pure love, God’s grace and His goodness.

We would like to say a special thank you to cousin Lillian Greene for her unconditional love and support given to our mother over the years. She was, and still is, our family “Angel on Earth.” We would also like to express our sincere appreciation to Dr. Petitjean and the staff of Riverside Rehabilitation Center and PACE Program for the love and comfort shown during our mother’s brief illness. May God bless and keep you!

Every day, Anna will be missed by those who survive her: sons, James Davis of Avon Lake, Ohio and Alvin Jackson and wife Pam of Bowie, Maryland; daughters, Helen Green and husband Melvin and Oveta Sayle, both of Hampton; sisters, Gloria Miller and Janie Campbell, both of Washington, DC, Eva Corbin of Hampton and Lillian Green, cousin (sister); brother, William Corbin of Hampton; grandsons, James Davis and wife Charnell of Orlando, Florida, Chris Jackson of Ashburn, Virginia, and Brandon Davis of Silver Spring, Maryland; granddaughters, Angela Johnson and husband Jeff of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, Anika Baker of Charlotte, North Carolina, Schaan Baker of Atlanta, Georgia, Kimberly Green of Atlanta, Georgia, Lindsey Davis of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Mikayla Sayle of Hampton; great-grandchildren, Amaya, Jessica, Kendall, Oliva, Kennedy, Phillip, Mia, and Zoey Anna; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and dear friends.

The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:00 pm on Friday, August 28, 2015 at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home. A celebration of Anna’s life will be held on Saturday, August 29, at 11:00 am at First Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Hampton-Veterans Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church, Patterson-Gaines Fund, 229 N. King Street, Hampton, VA 23669.

Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family.

Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Ave., Hampton, VA 23666.