Roselyn K. Sawyer

Roselyn Katherine Sawyer peacefully entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, July 2, 2019 at Sentara Nursing Home.  She was the supportive wife of the late Willie Sawyer, Sr., and the daughter of the late John Henry and Florence Massenburg; and she was pre-deceased by her 10 siblings. 

She was a lovable icon within St. Paul A.M.E. Church, where she served as a Missionary, a Vacation Bible School and Sunday School teacher, Sunday School Musician, Stewardess, and a Noon Day Prayer warrior.    

Mrs. Sawyer was fondly and affectionately designated as Mother of the Church.  

She is survived by her loving daughter, Juanita Norvell; her grandchildren, Thomas Norvell, Jr.; Greg Norvell (Pam); Michelle Norvell; Sheila Branch; David Crenshaw, Jr.; Dana Crenshaw.

She was pre-deceased by her children Gwendolyn Crenshaw (David, Sr.); Willie Sawyer, Jr.; and granddaughter Cheryl Norvell.

Mrs. Sawyer was loved and will be remembered by a host of great-grandchildren, family members and friends.

Viewing will be held on Sunday, July 7, 2019, from 2 pm to 5 pm at Corprew Funeral Home, 1822 Portsmouth Blvd., Portsmouth, VA  23704.   A funeral service will be held on Monday, July 8, 2019, 11 am at St. Paul A.M.E. Church, 2400 Chestnut St., Portsmouth, VA  23704.  Interment will be in Lincoln Memorial Cemetery, Portsmouth.