Deacon James Alfred Sawyer, (affectionately known as “Baby James”), was born on May 4, 1944, in Lithonia Georgia to the late Otha Elton Sawyer and the late Lula Mae Pryor Sawyer. On Monday May 17, 2021, Deacon Sawyer entered into eternal rest, completing his course for the Lord here on earth. He was preceded in death by his brother Otha Elton Sawyer Jr. and his nephew Rodney James Eley.
Deacon Sawyer grew up in the Edgewood Community on Mayson Ave. in Atlanta Georgia. He attended Wesley Avenue Elementary School and graduated from David T. Howard High School in 1962. He also attended Clark College. He accepted Christ at an early age by joining Beulah Missionary Baptist Church. He was baptized by Reverend E.D. Thomas.
On June 6, 1964, James married his high school sweetheart, Sherryln Ann Eley, in a wedding ceremony performed by the late Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. To this union two children were born, a daughter, Angie, and a son Jared. He was a loving father and husband and our biggest fan. He was constantly cheering us on in all of our extracurricular activities. He was a soccer coach, a Cub Scout leader, and supported the Southwest Dekalb High School Booster Club.
Deacon Sawyer loved to go fishing and always talked about the one that got away. He also loved to travel. He and Sherryln sailed on almost every cruise ship in the Carribean. Respected by his high school classmates, he was elected to serve as President and Vice President of the of David T. Howard alumni class of 1962. He was an active, supportive, and dedicated member.
In 1978, James Sawyer was ordained a Deacon and dedicated himself to be a faithful servant of Beulah Missionary Baptist Church. He worked tirelessly as a member of the Deacon Board, Board of Directors, and Board of Trustees. Deacon Sawyer also served as Vice Chairman and Chairman of Finance. Furthermore, he was instrumental in guiding Beulah from the Sage Lane location to the current Clifton Springs Road edifice. Deacon Sawyer LOVED THE LORD and he LOVED BEULAH, and was a fierce protector, firm and fair.
His work ethic was unmatched as an employee of Bellsouth. For more than 37 years, Deacon Sawyer’s knowledge of Bellsouth’s ESS (Electronic Switching System) and programing languages B, C, and C++ was sought out by his colleagues and peers. He was also a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America. After retiring and believing in giving of his time and talent to serve others, he was a volunteer at Literacy Action of Atlanta.
Deacon Sawyer was a hard- working, loving, and dedicated husband and father, making sure his family wanted for nothing. He always took great care of his mother and father and helped anyone in need. In the last few years, he has been his wife Sherryln’s devoted care giver during her illnesses; attending doctor’s appointments, seeing her through surgeries and procedures. She will miss him dearly.
He leaves to cherish his memories to a devoted wife of 56 years, Sherryln Sawyer; daughter, Angie (Dexter) Sims; son, Jared A Sawyer Sr.; three grandchildren, Jared A. Sawyer Jr., Emani Sawyer, and Pyper Sims; sisters-in-law, Joan Sawyer, Ruby D. Eley, and Janice Eley Starks; brother- in- law, James F. (Mattie) Eley; nephews, Bernard (Freyda) Sawyer Sr., Kevin Sawyer, and Robert Starks; nieces, Erica Sawyer and Ursula Sawyer Rogers; aunt, Annie L. Kelly; cousin, Cornelia Carlton Parks and cousins from the Pryor, Turner, Kelly, Gilstrap, Leftwich and Guthrie families.
Funeral service will be held Monday May 24, 2021 at 11am at Donald Trimble Mortuary, Inc. Burial will be in Hillandale Memorial Gardens. Viewing will be held Sunday May 23, 2021 at Donald Trimble Mortuary, Inc. from 1pm-7pm. Due to the adherence of the CDC Guidelines and Protocol, we are only allowing 60 people to attend the funeral ceremony. Masks as well as Social Distancing are required. Please be advised that those who are unable to attend can follow this link to livestream the funeral service: http://vimeo.com/551666279
Dexter T. Sims Mortuary, LLC, Gainesville, has charge of arrangements.