Audrey, Johnson

Audrey Sawyer Johnson, 77, was freed from her earthly bonds on Friday, September 17, 2004. After a brief battle with cancer, she eagerly left with a happy heart to attain the treasures laid up for her in heaven. She was born in Hell’s Kitchen in NYC in 1927 and grew up in Long Island, the daughter of the late Russell Sawyer and Ruth Cairns Sawyer. She was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Carson Hamot Johnson, of Hopewell, Va., and two brothers, Walter & Wesley Sawyer. As a young woman, she moved to Richmond and became a successful homemaker, exceptional mother, and consummate grandmother. After achieving an empty nest, she graduated Magna Cum Laude from John Tyler Community College with an A.S. in Human Services. Using her education and huge heart as a volunteer for many organizations, she ministered through music at the Hopewell Convalescent Center, John Randolph Nursing Home and others. Her piano playing, singing and laughter were gifts of joy to others. She was an avid “mall walker” at Southpark Mall and brought fun and humor part-time to her fellow workers at the Hardees on Rt. 10 in Chester, Va. She loved to travel during her very full life. Audrey was an active member of Bermuda Baptist Church in Chester, playing piano and singing in the choir there and in the Joy Singers and Village Voices. There will be a hole left in the hearts of her daughters, Donna Grebas and her husband, Anthony, of Chesterfield; Annette McNeill and her husband, Jerry, of Petersburg. She is also survived by her equally wonderful sister, Winifred Carpenter, her “specially chosen” sister – in – law, Lois Sawyer; and her devoted friend, Elbert Mabe. Audrey’s finest gift was the immense love and care she gave to her grandchildren – John Slaughter III of Durham, N.C.; Michael, Melissa & Jennifer McNeill of Petersburg & Richmond, and Stephanie & Carson Grebas of Chesterfield County, and her grand-nephew, Justin Sawyer, a grandchild in her heart. She left so many family members and devoted friends who she loved and received love from that they unfortunately cannot all be listed. She especially appreciated the special love and care in her final days from her niece, Deborah Sawyer and her close friend, Gertrude Jones. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, September 20, 2004 at J. T. Morriss & Son, Route 10 in Chester. Interment will follow at Bermuda Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 7 – 8:30 p.m. at J. T. Morriss & Son. Memorial gifts may be made to Bermuda Baptist Church or Crater Community Hospice.