Joyce Sawyer, 77, went home to be with her Lord and savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, August 14, 2022 at her home in Matthews, North Carolina. She was lovingly cared for by Liberty Hospice as she battled dementia and other acute health issues.
Joyce was born on May 29, 1945 as Joyce Irene Miller in Washington, Pennsylvania to parents, Franklin S. Miller and Esther Irene Dare, who preceded her in death.
Her early years were spent in Wellsburg, West Virginia. Joyce graduated from Chowan College in Murfreesboro, North Carolina with an Associate’s Degree and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Welfare from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. Upon graduating, Joyce worked as a social worker in various governmental and charitable agencies in Richmond. Matthews, North Carolina became her home in 2003, where she was employed by Central Piedmont Community College as a Compensatory Education instructor for Goodwill Industries until her retirement.
Joyce was an active and faithful member of First Baptist Church Matthews where she cherished so many special people. She loved dogs, stray cats, flowers and feeding her backyard birds.
Joyce was known by many as “Joy” and it was often said that the name was especially fitting because her smile brought joy to others. She has been remembered by several of her children’s friends as a “second mom.”
Joyce is survived by her husband, Raymond M. Sawyer, sister, Miranda M. Zwicker (Jack) of Wellsburg, West Virginia, children; Holly I. Sawyer of Mint Hill, and Ryan F. Sawyer (Elizabeth) of Richmond, Virginia. As well as her brother-in-law; Jeffrey S. Sawyer (Nola) of Virginia Beach, Virginia.
She loved her grandchildren; Landon and Jenna Sawyer and Charlie Laird.
The family will receive friends on Friday, August 19, 2022 from 5pm to 7pm at McEwen Funeral Service – Mint Hill Chapel 7428 Matthews Mint Hill Road Mint Hill, North Carolina 28227. A memorial service and celebration of her life will be held at 11am on Saturday, August 20, 2022 at First Baptist Church Matthews 185 S. Trade Street Matthews, North Carolina 28105. Joyce will be laid to rest following the services at Forest Lawn East cemetery in Matthews.
Friends & Family may leave condolences and memories at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com
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