Rev. (Bishop) Jack D. Sawyer, of Chesapeake, born in Shawboro, NC to the late Jerry and Alice Sawyer, has embraced the vision God gave him about Heaven and went to be with his heavenly Father on August 31, 2017 at the age of 91.
He began his ministry in 1952 and in 1957 became an ordained minister with the Pentecostal Holiness Church. After which, he then pastored at the Riddle, NC Church. Following his calling in the ministry, in early 1960, he began preaching in homes and in the breezeways of Foundation Park. With the help of brothers and sisters in the Lord, they broke ground for the Westover Pentecostal Holiness Church, which he pastored for several years. In 1968, he became an ordained minister with the Church of God where he is still licensed today. He began the “mission” on Bainbridge Blvd. in Chesapeake, VA, in which he became the founding pastor of Living Water Church of God, formerly known as Chesapeake Church of God, until he retired after 45 years. In 1963, he completed Granby Barber College in Norfolk, VA.
Bro. Sawyer was a loving husband, father, and granddad, but more importantly his love and dedication to the Lord for 69 years was evident in the way that he lived his life. Bro. Sawyer never met a stranger and was always there to help anyone in need no matter the time of day or night. He enjoyed ministering to people especially during his time as a barber as well as on the street corner.
He was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife for over 70 years, Pattie E. Sawyer. His memory will be cherished by his daughter, Pamela Whittaker (Sherman); son, Jack C. Sawyer both of Chesapeake, VA; grandchildren, Eddie Smith III, Ginger Mahler (Mike), and Jay Sawyer (Jessica); seven great-grandchildren; sister, Delores White of Hertford, NC; and his sister in the Lord, Sis. Lillie Mae Harrison.
His earthly ministry may be over but through others who were privileged to sit under his ministry will live on forever through those who continue to carry on the work of the Lord. The family wishes to say a special “Thank You” to his caregiver Susan Webb, for her love and dedication to Bro. Sawyer and his family since October 2016.
The family will receive friends on Monday, September 4, 2017 from 5 - 7 p.m. at Graham Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1112 Kempsville Rd, Chesapeake. A service of celebration of his homegoing will be held Tuesday, September 5, 2017 at 11 a.m. at Kingdom Life Ministries, 1280 Bells Mill Rd. Chesapeake, VA 23322, presided by Rev. Steve Edmondson. Burial will follow at Chesapeake Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends and family at the home of Sherman and Pam Whittaker following the committal.