Mr. Lavan Dwight Sawyer, Sr

Remembering and Honoring the Journey of Lavan Dwight Sawyer, Sr.

December 17, 1947 – February 10, 2023

Obituary

"You've Got to Be Tough, Strong, and Keep the Faith"

Lavan's mantra, words that he lived by and encouraged others to do the same.

Lavan Dwight Sawyer, Sr., born December 17, 1947, the first child of George and Mary Sawyer of Savannah, Georgia was God's blessing to their happy union. Later, sisters Brenda, Gwendolyn, and another son, Bernard were born creating a perfect family of six.

Grounded in faith, Lavan D. Sawyer joined Saint James African Methodist Episcopal Church in his youth prior to the age of twelve, giving God his heart, making the decision to walk with Jesus on his life’s journey. Lavan actively participated in Sunday School, church services, assisted his father with the electronics and audio/visual system, served on the Usher Board, and was a Trustee.

Lavan was enrolled into the Savannah Chatham County Public School System, where he attended DeRenne Elementary, Alfred Ely Beach Junior High and High Schools from which he graduated in 1966. Lavan matriculated at Savannah State College in the fall of 1966, majoring in Business Administration with a minor in Accounting. With only one semester to complete for graduation, Lavan decided to remain at his summer job with Union Camp Paper Corporation, with plans of returning to college the following semester; however, as faith would have it, his life’s journey took another direction. On June 18, 1974, Lavan Dwight Sawyer was joined in holy matrimony to Bettye Millicent Davis, who preceded him in returning to God's Kingdom on January 27, 2023. Their son, Lavan, Jr. was their love and joy to raise, guiding him in every way, and Lavan, Jr. was always their stay.

The Road to Values and Manhood

As a young boy, Lavan enjoyed all the things that most little boys are intrigued by, a little red Buick car that he peddled on the sidewalks of his neighborhood, loved his electric train set and enjoyed outdoor activities, biking, skating, shooting bows and arrows, his toy rifle, BB guns, making pea shooters (pluffers), and sling shots. Lavan always willingly shared his toys and skills and helped others. Lavan joined the Cub & Boy Scouts in his early teens, enjoyed camping, swimming, boxing, and team sports. By high school, his love for football evolved and developed when joining the Beach High Bulldogs football team, where his teammates gave him the nickname "Hoss" because of his strength and size. Many speak of how well he played, even today. It was in high school that Lavan had the opportunity to grow his knowledge of woodworking projects and mechanics leading to honing these skills, including working on and repairing his first car.

A Man with a Strong Work Ethic

Lavan enjoyed working. It was a naturally inherent part of him since his youth, when helping his dad with the yard work at home, and his mother's flowers and plants with precision and care, and also when visiting his grandparents and other relatives on the farm. He wanted to help with the physical labor and also earned income. It seems it was these early years in his life that Lavan adopted the concept, "Every able-bodied person should be up when the sun rises” or "A man should be up when the sun comes up”—a principle he believed and exemplified.

During his employment at Union Camp Corporation, Lavan was later promoted and transferred to the chemical testing group with responsibilities that included conducting the Tensile Strength Test, ensuring the paper quality, strength, and endurance. At Union Camp, a time in Lavan's journey that also tested his resolve, Lavan spoke out against injustices towards other employees. When an accusation against Lavan himself led to an altercation, Lavan chose to walk-out, leaving the plant and propelling him into a time of advocacy for workers’ rights. Lavan later joined the Days Inn Hotel Chain as a Maintenance Engineer and Landscaper, retiring in 2012 when he started his private landscaping business.

As a father, Lavan Dwight Sawyer, Sr. ensured that his son, Lavan, Jr. understood the importance of rising above challenges and exemplifying excellence. His daily lessons on life, manhood, and strength were rooted in strong beliefs embedded in him by his own father and mother. Being mentally strong and tough were essential pillars of life that he consistently referred to when teaching, nurturing, and guiding Lavan, Jr. along his own journey. In one of Lavan, Sr.’s final lessons, he insisted that Lavan, Jr. live the best life that he could live and to help as many people as he could help.

A Man of Purpose & Service

Growing up in a family where his parents were very much involved in the Civil Rights Movement instilled in Lavan an intense awareness of injustice and an intolerance for prejudices. Lavan along with his sister Brenda, participated in protest marches and sit-ins. His younger brother, Bernard and sister Gwendolyn proudly recalled when they both Lavan and Brenda were among the many young teens arrested in downtown Savannah when standing up and speaking out on equal rights for African Americans in the United States of America.

Over the years, Lavan volunteered his services to the community in a variety of ways. He organized and developed a baseball team for young boys, coaching the team not only about the game but also about life. His efforts as a community leader and sports mentor continued into his work to develop and lead the Cann Park Youth Sports Organization where he coached baseball and football. Additionally, Lavan coached for the Frank Callen Boys and Girls Club working to guide, mentor, and develop young men. Lavan's community engagement also extended to working with the Block Association, helping to improve conditions for students and residents in the neighborhood’s schools as well as in the broader community level of Chatham County.

A Man of Devotion & Resilience

Lavan was a devoted husband and loving, supportive father whose last six years of his journey were complicated by a separation of time and space from his wife, his “Dear Bettye” whom he asked us to find, so many times. While we were unsuccessful in fulfilling our dear brother/father's requests, God has reunited their souls in His Kingdom, with the Heavenly Hosts.

Lavan experienced a few detours on his path yet he would always rise above the challenges and obstacles and press forward. Lavan, a long-distance runner, finishing greater than a 26-mile run in an individual workout, long before marathons became popular, completed his life’s journey on February 10, 2023 at the dawn of the new day.

Lavan Dwight Sawyer, Sr. is and will be sorely missed. He is survived by his son, Lavan D. Sawyer, Jr., a step-daughter, Jolesa Brown, two sisters, Brenda Sawyer (Ronald) Coleman, Gwendolyn Sawyer (James) Moody, sister-in-law, Debra Zakiya Sawyer (Bernard – deceased), nephews, Ronald Coleman Jr., Hashim Fannin, Ade Sawyer, nieces, Monika Coleman, Dana Coleman (Ali) Wilkerson, Dianna Coleman, Cousins, Ann Sawyer, Marjorie Smyth, Doris Smith, Shirley & Floyd Parrish, grandchildren, other cousins, family members, and many friends. Our dear brother/father—Lavan, is now heavenly reunited with his dear mother, father, youngest brother, and beloved wife.

Lavan Dwight Sawyer’s mantra evolved in recent years, reflecting strength of the body, mind and soul—we share his words of wisdom with you:

"You've Got to Be Tough, Strong, and Keep the Faith."

“Believe, Don't Become Weary, Don't Give-up.”

“Stay Focused and Keep Your Mind Clear."

Rest in Power Our Dear Father, Brother, and Friend!

-The Sawyer Family

Viewing will be held on Saturday, February 18, 2023 from 11:00a.m. - 12:00p.m. at Saint James A.M.E Church, Savannah, GA.

Celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at 12:00p.m. at Saint James A.M.E Church, 632 East Broad Street, Savannah, GA 31401. Rev. Anthony Scott, Pastor. Rev. Craig R. Tremble, Eulogist.

We will adhere to CDC guidelines.

Friends may sign the online register book at www.craigrtremblefuneralhome.com.

If you choose to send flowers to the family, you can send them to Sylvania Funeral Home of Savannah,102 Owens Industrial Drive, Savannah, Georgia up until Friday at 5:00p.m. and to the church, Saturday up until 11:00a.m.

Celebration of life services have been entrusted to the care of Craig R. Tremble Funeral Homes, Inc., Pembroke Chapel, 66 Ledford Street, Pembroke, Ga. 31321

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mr. Lavan Dwight Sawyer, Sr, please visit our floral store.