DATE: Sunday, March 16, 1997                TAG: 9703160027

SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B8   EDITION: FINAL 

DATELINE: PORTSMOUTH                        LENGTH:   43 lines

MAMIE E. SAWYER

Cradled lovingly in the arms of her beloved daughter and sister-in-law, Mamie E. Sawyer, 85, of the 1300 block of Roosevelt Blvd., gently departed this life in her home at approximately 4:15 a.m. March 14, 1997. As she looked to the hills from whence cometh her help, she peacefully answered God's call as her daughters prayed and quoted her favorite scriptures, ``Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me..'' (St. John 14) and ``The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want...''(Psalm 23).

Mrs. Sawyer died as she had lived, surrounded by the strong love and faith that she had instilled in her family.

A self-employed cosmetologist, she retired after 26 years service. She was a native of Newbern, N.C. and was the widow of Elvin Sawyer. She was a member of Mount Hermon Baptist Temple Church, Portsmouth, usher board (NU)2 for over 40 years, member and former treasurer of the Flower Club, member and former treasurer of the Widows Club, former secretary of the Missionary Society. She was the Mount Hermon Baptist Temple Laywomen's first ``Mother of the Year.'' She was a member of United Community Senior Citizens,, Hobbyettes Social and Savings Club, member of Thrifty Arts Social and Savings Club.

Survivors include two daughters, Evelyn D. Sawyer of Portsmouth, Mary Bernice Ridley of Richmond; a sister, Minnie Walker of Philadelphia; two brothers, Leonard Clark and Beverly Clark, both of Philadelphia; three grandchildren, Wesley S. Vann of Portsmouth, Elvin G. Ridley and Elecia L. Ridley, both of Richmond; two great-grandchildren, Wynter S. Vann, Wezzie S. Vann, both of Portsmouth; sisters-in-law, Emily S. Williams of Greensboro, N.C., Ira Clark, Mary Clark, Mildred clark, all of Philadelphia; granddaughter-in-law, Cherlyn S. Vann; son-in-law, Dr. Emmett L. Ridley of Richmond. She has a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws ``adopted children, grandchildren and friends. She was predeceased by her daughter, Vivian S. Vann.

A funeral will be conducted at noon Tuesday in Mount Hermon Baptist Temple Church, Portsmouth, by the Rev. N. Lamonte Newsome. Burial will be in Lincoln Memorial Cemetery, Portsmouth. Viewing at Corprew Funeral Home will begin at 10 a.m. Monday. The body will be taken to the church at 10 a.m. Tuesday. ILLUSTRATION: Photo KEYWORDS: DEATH OBITUARY

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