Shirley Joan Sawyers

SHIRLEY JOAN SAWYERS Lakeland " Shirley Joan Sawyers, my beloved wife, left us on Wednesday, June 3, 2015 due to problems in swallowing, breathing, and her circulatory system. This lovely girl, the daughter of Floyd and Mildred Pease, was born on August 2, 1927 in Binghamton, NY. Shirley graduated from Binghamton High School in 1945. She began her quest for graduate education at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine that same year as a Biology major. We met in 1947 on the Bates campus and were married back in Binghamton on September 1, 1950. I was very slow and had to be sure! Before this, Shirl spent a year studying to be a laboratory technician. She followed this path for nearly 4 years. Now was family time, and Shirl became a ""stay at home Mom."" Son Jim was born on March 14, 1954 " our Veterinarian. Son Alan was born on February 24, 1956 " our retired Marine Lt Col and Operations Research Analyst. Daughter Wendy was born on March 16, 1961 " who worked her way up the banking ladder, finally working for Kaiser Permanent in an administrative capacity. Shirl was one of two people who founded and taught in the Learn about Nursery School in Baldwin, NY. When all our kids were old enough to be independent, we moved to Florida to retire. My brother Jim, a longtime Lakeland resident, immediately suggested the Grace Lutheran Church as the place to be, a true home away from home. We are blessed to have Pastor Carol as our shepherd to guide over us, both in calm and rough waters. Pastor Carol was with Shirley on the day before she died, reciting the 23rd Psalm together. Shirl did so love this leader, and appreciated her thoughtful concern. Dearest Shirley, we know that you are in a better place. Rest in Peace. Your loving husband " Thank you for nearly 65 years of happiness. Bill Sawyers Memorial service will be held for Shirley on June 22, 2015 at the Grace Lutheran Church (745 S. Ingraham Ave) at 10 am. Memorials may be made to Grace Lutheran Church in lieu of flowers. Service: 06/22/2015 Grace Lutheran Church 745 South Ingraham Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33801