Sawyer, Octavia

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name‘s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; they rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. Psalm 23:1–6 (KJV) Octavia James Sawyer was born on April 19, 1949 in Florence County to Curley and Dorothy Johnson James. At an early age, Octavia accepted Christ at Savannah Grove Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend D. J. Lunn where she served faithfully until her health failed. She was a member of the Missionary Ministry, Mid-Adult Sunday School Class, and was among the most fervent of worshipers. On Thursday, June 30, 2011 at 4:19 p.m., God sent His angels to escort Octavia home. Octavia graduated from Wilson High School in 1967. She continued to be an avid “Wilsonian” until her death. She was a member of the Wilson Alumni and enjoyed many parades and tailgating since her graduation. Octavia was a Telecommunications Operator with AT&T for 27 years. She retired in 1996 because of her health. Octavia was formerly married to Bernie Sawyer of Darlington, SC and to this union one son was born, Chadester Roderick Sawyer. She was predeceased by her parents and former husband; one brother, Samuel Lee James; one sister, Gwendolyn James Gainey; ten uncles; and 12 aunts. Octavia is survived by: her beloved son, Chadester Roderick (Tarsha) Sawyer of Florence, SC; four grandchildren, DeKayla, Laphaedra, Chadester Roderick, Jr. and Baby Sawyer, all of Florence, SC; two brothers, Nelson (Nancy) James and Heyward James of Effingham, SC; two sisters, Alonia L. James of Riverdale, MD, and Modestine J. (Rev. Alray) Samuel of Florence, SC; two uncles, Ray Maxie (Lillie Mae) James of Effingham, SC and Ephriam (Ruby) Johnson of Laverock, PA; five aunts, Louise Johnson of Florence, SC; Luvarria (Harvey) Willoughby of Philadelphia, PA; Ester Johnson of Philadelphia, PA; Fannie (James) Timmons and Geraldine (Julius) Timmons of Florence, SC; a brother-in-law, John C. Gainey of Florence, SC; four lifelong friends, Clementine Gee, Maxine Jackson-Hoskins, Elizabeth Hunter, and Gloria Wright; four special friends, Audrey McClain, Bert Wilson, Mary Townsend, and Elizabeth Robinson; godson, Brandon Foster; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.