Carol Ann (Haller) Sawyer

Carol Ann (Haller) Sawyer of Decatur went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at the age of 87. She was born on August 26, 1935 in Warren, Pennsylvania to Carl Adelbert Haller and Erla Vanessa Ekis. Carol and her sister were raised by their beloved grandparents the late Hazel Camp Johnson and Arvid Johnson in nearby Pittsfield, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Sawyer was also predeceased by her sister, Sharon Haller Boyer of Pennsylvania.

Carol attended Youngsville High School in Youngsville, Pennsylvania where she was a class officer all four years, being elected as President in her Senior year. Carol lettered in Basketball and played for all four years. She also received class Senior Superlatives with Most popular and Best All Around awards. She found her passion for music by learning three instruments. She belonged to the school choir for four years, two years with the school Band as a trumpeter, and her passion for the cello began in the school Orchestra. She also enjoyed school clubs such as Broadwalk, F.H.A., and Theater. She also was the school’s Library Assistant and Usher for special events.

Soon after graduation in 1952, Carol moved to Norfolk, Virginia. While attending the Tabernacle Church of Norfolk on Granby Street, she met and fell in love with the love of her life, Willard Sawyer and the two were married in 1955. Carol and Willard moved together to the University of Wisconsin, where Willard obtained his PhD in Chemical Engineering. After the birth of their four children, the family eventually settled down in Baton Rouge, Louisiana for many years. She served in many churches in the Baton Rouge area and helped to start and served in the Christian Jamboree Ministries. She loved her family dearly. She was an amazing person who gave the best hugs and always told you that she loved you. She loved Jesus and lived her life for him.

In their retirement years, Willard and Carol moved to Roanoke, Virginia where together, they taught God’s Word in Tanzania and Romania. She so enjoyed being able to share her faith with her friends in China and Romania.

Carol at the age of 60 started to rediscover her passion for the cello. She quickly learned the instrument and pursued a ministry of performing for the Lord. She formed a classical musical ensemble The Magnum Trio with a few friends. Carol’s mission was to spread the word of Jesus Christ through her music. She also served in many church orchestras such as Cave Springs Baptist and First Baptist of Roanoke as the principal cellist. Carol also performed with the Blacksburg Community Strings in Virginia.

Survivors include her husband, Dr. Willard H. Sawyer of Decatur. Four children: a son, Stephen Willard Sawyer(Solbella), a son, Mark Andrew Sawyer (Alison), a daughter, Beth Sawyer Botnick (Joe), a son, Matthew Philip Sawyer (Patrice). She also leaves nine grandchildren of whom she loved very much: Benjamin Sawyer (Kimberly), Jeffrey Sawyer (Sarah), Carl Thrasher (Julianne), Heather Real, Sarah Thrasher, Luke Sawyer (Abigale), Lauren Sawyer, Rachel Sawyer, Taylor Sawyer.

She is also survived by eight great grandchildren: Lyla, Conner, Ashlyn, Isaiah, Elijah, Booker, Joanna, and Judah, as well as a number of cousins, nieces, and nephews. She will be remembered as a wonderful and loving wife to Willard Hall Sawyer, as well as a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend.

A visitation will be held on Friday, March 24, 2023 with the family receiving friends from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Wages and Sons funeral home, 1031 Lawrenceville Hwy, Lawrenceville, Georgia. The graveside service and interment will be conducted at 3:00 p.m., Friday, March 24, 2023 at Gwinnett Memorial Park, 925 Lawrenceville Hwy, Lawrenceville, Georgia. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Romanian Christian Enterprises, 1558 Forest Villa Lane, McLean, Virginia rcenterprises.org or to the charity of your choice.

Friends are invited to sign the online guest book at www.wagesandsons.com