Shirley Frances Griffin was born on May 8, 1934 in South Mills, North Carolina to the late Marion Griffin and the late Esther Griffin. At six days old, her mother died, and subsequently she was raised by her grandparents, the late John and Nellie Griffin, Sr., along with her aunt, the late Fannie Griffin Mann. She was raised in Camden County, North Carolina, attending the Rosenwald and Sawyer’s Creek schools. On March 28, 1954, Shirley married Connie Wildred Sawyer, Sr. At the time of his passing in 2016, they had been married for 62 years. Their marriage, and the family with which they were blessed, is a testimony to God’s purpose and provision being made manifest in the lives of those who commit themselves to Him. She was a homemaker and yet found ways to contribute to the family, through various trades and jobs, including employment as a seamstress and cosmetologist. She was also a cook like none other; her family can argue to this day about their favorite dish or meal to come from her kitchen, and they often contended to be first to sample her hot rolls. The story of Shirley G. Sawyer cannot be told without the mention of the ministry of the late Bishop Levi E. Willis, Sr. After first witnessing his ministry at the Pentecostal House of Prayer in South Mills, NC, she later accepted Jesus as her personal savior at the Garden of Prayer Temple Church of God in Christ in Norfolk, Virginia in 1966 (now Garden of Prayer Worship Center Church of God in Christ). She was also instrumental in leading her husband to salvation shortly thereafter, and the trajectory of her family changed as a result. The Sawyer family became a pillar of the Garden of Prayer Temple, and by connection, the Virginia Third Jurisdiction New Frontier Churches of God in Christ. Most noteworthy, Sister Sawyer led the Young Adult Women’s Usher Board, taught Sunday School, and was the leader of the Sunshine Band. In these roles, she impacted the lives of generations of young people, and her diligence and hard work were recognized locally, statewide, and nationally. As her grandchildren and great-grandchildren became older and their gifts revealed, Sister Sawyer was led to find a way to teach them more about God, to shape them in ministry, and to release them to serve on a more intimate level. In 1994, she formed the Children of God. This group traveled wherever the call led them, to share the gospel through song, scripture, skits, and readings. To this day, countless people remember their presentations of ABC memory verses, songs about Brother Noah building his ark, Ananias and Sapphira being taken from
the midst of God’s people, or the warnings to be ready with “Twas the Night Before Jesus Came”. She instilled the importance of ministry to her family and many of them still serve today in roles similar to those birthed during their Children of God days. In 1999, after many years of faithful service to the Garden of Prayer Temple, the Sawyer family was led to join the New Mount Zion Deliverance Center Church of God in Christ in Camden, North Carolina. While her years of service would have justified her sitting quietly and watching others, Mother Sawyer worked tirelessly for the benefit of this ministry. One of her enduring initiatives as a member of the Mothers’ Board was the annual Baby Contest. She found creative ways to include and incorporate youth and young adults in the growth and development of the church. She also had a passion for couples and hosted a “Falling in Love Again” event for many years, which featured her rendition of the “Newlywed Game.” Mother Shirley Frances Griffin Sawyer, an extraordinary woman, servant, and matriarch departed this life on February 10, 2021. At last, she is moving on to meet the One for whom she tirelessly worked to represent in this life. While her physical loss is great, we celebrate her being joined together again with so many friends and loved ones who preceded her in death, including her husband, Connie, Sr.; her son, Emmanuel; and her grandsons, Randy Saunders, Jr., and Antoine Sawyer. She is survived by nine children; Esther Saunders (Randy), Glenn Sawyer (Sandra), Lorietta Evans, Marietta Downing, and Shirley Sawyer of Elizabeth City, NC; Connie Sawyer, Jr. (Bonnie) and Elbert Sawyer (Marnita) of Camden, NC; Aaron Sawyer (Jean) of Hertford, NC; and John Sawyer (Joice) of Bowie, MD; 27 grandchildren; 57 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Louise Williams of Elizabeth City, NC; and a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Order of Service
John D. Sawyer, Presiding
Musical Prelude
Organist
Farewell Salute Deacon Connie Sawyer Jr. Prayer of Comfort
Scripture Reading Old Testament New Testament
Musical Selection
Acknowledgements/Church Resolution
Sister Ella Godfrey
Tributes (please limit to two minutes) Solo Eulogy Morticians in Charge Recessional
Deacon Elbert Sawyer Sr. Elder Glenn Sawyer, Pastor
Acknowledgements The Sawyer Family would like to express their sincere gratitude for all acts of kindness shown during the passing of our loved one. Also, a special thank you to the staff of Brookdale Senior Living. May God bless each one of you.
Pall Bearers Family & Friends
Floral Bearers Family & Friends
Professional Services Entrusted to: Beach Rivers Funeral Home 310 E. Grice Street Elizabeth City, NC 27909 Memorial Booklet designed by DeShon Gales for DG Creative Studio