Doris Batts Sawyer

Celebrating a Life Well-Loved and Well-Lived Doris B. Sawyer was born on April 15, 1928 in Elm City, North Carolina to Turner and Chessie Batts. On Monday, January 14, 2019, Doris, an amazing matriarch, mother-of-three, grandmother, and great-great-grandmother went home to Glory at the age of 90. Doris was educated by Wilson County (now known as Elm City) Public Schools. Here, she gained a deep respect for education which she instilled in all her children. She worked for 28 years at Norfolk State University, where she retired as a Supervisor of Housekeeping, Buildings, and Grounds. On May 21, 1955, she married Edward Lee Sawyer, and together they raised two daughters, Linda and India, and one son, Gregory. Doris also raised her eldest granddaughter, Keisha. Doris had an indomitable spirit, a generous heart, and was well-known for her feisty and often comedic attitude. When she was feeling particularly sassy, Doris would tell people her name was "Hattie Mae McDonald Cunningham". She was an avid wrestling fan and enjoyed spending Monday nights watching WWE with her friend of over 40 years, Retha Jordan. If you called or dropped by on 'wrestling night', you would find her in her favorite chair yelling at the TV. She also enjoyed spending time with family and friends and cooking until her health no longer allowed her to do so. Doris loved the Lord and was well loved by her church family for over 50 years, Divine Baptist Church. She was a faithful woman of God. She was an Usher and a missionary member. As one of the eldest members of Divine, she often encouraged other members to love God and become all He has called them to be. On April 1, 2005, Doris was honored with a Certificate of Life Membership for her Faithful Commitment to the Cause of Christian Missions by the Baptist General Convention of Virginia. Our Sister, Mama, and Granny ... You were 90 years young, or "nineteen" as you liked to say. You will be missed beyond measure, but we know you have simply traded in your temporary wings for your permanent ones. We take comfort that while you may be absent from the body, you are present with the Lord; your suffering has come to an end. "Where, O death, is your sting? Where, O death, is our victory? But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 15:55, 57). Doris was preceded in death by her parents, Turner, and Chessie; husband Edward; and her sister, Minnie. She is survived by her brother, James "Buddy"; sister, Joyce; three children, Linda (Percy Sr.), Gregory (Hope), and India; six grandchildren, Keisha (Eric), Percy Jr. (Maggie), Corey, Catrisha (Robert), Dorescia, and Takeisha; ten great-grandchildren, Marquel (Queen), Malique, Justice, Judah, Honesty, Honor, Noah, Shiloh, Isaiah, and Anaya; four great-great-grandchildren, Siyonee, Londyn, Paris, and King; her nephew, Josiah Jr. (Tyreese); her friend of 40-plus years, Retha Jordan; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Doris Batts Sawyer

April 15, 1928 - January 14, 2019