Mary Alice Sawyer, Age 90, passed away on July 20, 2021, at the Elk River Health and Nursing System of Winchester. She was born October 3, 1930, in Huntsville, Alabama to the late Clarence “Pete” and Lois Lanham Easterwood.
In the summer of 1943, when she was 13, Ms. Sawyer’s family moved to Cowan, Tennessee where her father was a barber. In her diary, she remembered that the first time she saw “the boy” (Clark Sawyer), he was sitting on a swing on his front porch. She found out that the “Sawyer boy” had just come back from the service. In fact, he was a member of the 66th Infantry Division, and had been injured when his ship had been torpedoed and had received the purple heart and bronze star. She said it was “awhile before she talked to him” but about 4 years later they were married on January 10, 1948. They settled in Cowan where their three sons would be born.
Mary Alice was a faithful and proud member of the Cowan Cumberland Presbyterian Church, having joined the church in 1947. She served in many capacities within the church including teaching Sunday school, bible school, serving as an elder and chairing many committees. Her most meaningful position was singing in the choir. Many congregations enjoyed her solos, duets and trios.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Clark Sawyer and a brother, Charles Easterwood, and her dear friend, Edna Tipps. She is survived by three sons. Wayne (Kellye) Sawyer of Winchester, TN, Larry (Donna) Sawyer of Gig Harbor, Washington State, David (Becky) Sawyer of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Sister, Sue Robertson; Sisters-in Law, Frances Keel and Virginia Sawyer; Grandchildren, Craig Sawyer, Ami Davis, Tracie Sawyer, Caleb Sawyer, Samantha Sawyer, Kristin Sawyer and four great grandchildren; Cole Stewart, Christian Sawyer, Kash Sawyer and Lyla Bright; Special friend, Frances Goode, and many nieces and nephews.
Besides her Church, her other interests were Cooking, Canning, Sewing, Quilting and raising three very energetic and curious boys. She was also an avid reader.
The family would like to thank all the staff and management at The Elk River Facility for their outstanding care.
Visitation will be Friday, July 23 from 11am – 1pm at Moore-Cortner Funeral Home with the funeral service following at 1pm from the chapel with Rev. Rocky Whray and Rev. Ronnie Pittenger officiating. Interment will follow in Cowan – Montgomery Cemetery. Moore-Cortner Funeral Home 300 1st Ave NW, Winchester, TN 37398 (931)967-2222
