Mrs. Jewel Page Maness Sawyer, 83, died Monday, October 17, 2022, after a brief illness. Known for her gentle and loving spirit, Page chose to leave this world with the same grace she showed throughout her life, spending precious days surrounded by beloved family and friends.

Page was enchanted by simple and small things – whether birds, tea sets, or childhood rhymes and riddles that she referred to as "ditties". She enjoyed family camping trips, family dinners, and was happiest when she was surrounded by her loved ones. She modeled for her children a loving nature and spirit of hospitality that extended to their friends and families.

Page's greatest delight was being Mom and "Mimi" to her beloved children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She taught them all the joy of discovering four-leaf clovers and delicate shells, how to drink from a straw and tie their shoes, and the fun of jigsaw puzzles. Her faithful presence at their ballgames and musical performances and her enthusiasm in celebrating family milestones are examples of her graciousness and love.

A native of Greenville, SC, Page graduated from Paris High School and North Greenville College, where she was crowned Miss North Greenville in 1958. It was there that she met her husband, Larry W. Sawyer, Sr., to whom she was married for 64 years. Larry was called to be a minister, initially in the Baptist Church and then through Baptist Children's Homes, and Page viewed her role as minister's wife as a calling. She was the epitome of a loving and supportive pastor's spouse and partner.

Page's gracious living extended to her work at Baptist Children's Homes (Odum Home and Mills Home) from 1973-1982 and then with the Robeson County Health Department until she retired in 2004. She was an active member of First Baptist Church in Lumberton, NC and the Circle of Friends Sunday School Class, where she shared teaching responsibilities.

Page was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph Page Maness and Juelean Webb Maness, and her son-in-law, Ross King.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by children: Christy Strickland (Johnny), Larry W. Sawyer, Jr. (Julie), and Angela King; her grandchildren: Amanda Hunt (Donavon), Allison Branch (Dustin), Andrew Sawyer, and Savannah Sawyer; and her great-grandchildren: Grayson Branch, Anna Branch, Kendall Hunt, and Jillian Hunt.

The family would also like to thank Ms. Carolyn Brewington, CNA and Ms. Danielle Locklear, RN and all the staff of Southeastern Hospice for the loving care they provided for our family and especially our sweet mother.

The family will celebrate Page's life on Friday, October 21, 2022, at First Baptist Church, 606 N. Walnut Street in Lumberton, NC, receiving friends and loved ones from 10:00-11:00 AM, followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at 2:00 PM at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church Cemetery, 1210 Mt. Moriah Road in Maxton, NC.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to: Odum Home for Children in Pembroke, NC, Robeson Family Counseling Center, or Southeastern Hospice of Lumberton, NC.