Vivian Jarnelle Sawyers' Obituary
Vivian Jarnelle Sawyers, the daughter of the late Bessie Kate Sawyers and Douglas Sawyers Sr was born in Newton County on January 10, 1954.
Vivian was preceded in death by her sisters Deloris Sawyers and Ruthella Long, along with her brothers Carlton Sawyers and Douglas Sawyers Jr. Vivian peacefully departed her earthly life on Saturday, October 8, 2022.
Vivian accepted Christ at a young age. As a servant of Christ, she sang in the choir, served as a member of various Finance Committees and taught Children's Church. Vivian's primary education was obtained in Covington at R.L. Cousins. She graduated from Newton County High School with the Class of 1972. Upon graduation, she attended Berry College.
Vivian gave birth to her second heartbeat and apple of her eye Kia Carmise on January 14, 1974.
She was also loved and cherished by her devoted "other" children LaNedra Loyal, Sharla Gaither, Bridgitte Lawrence and Bryant Stroud.
As a young woman, Vivian worked at Belk's Department Store and Mobil Chemicals in Covington. After leaving Mobil, she worked at both Cable DeKalb and Cable Atlanta as a Customer Service Representative before being employed with BellSouth for 25 years as a Customer Account Specialist. While employed with BellSouth, Vivian won numerous Peak Performer Awards, received many Customer Accommodation Acknowledgements and received multiple Attendance and Adherence Awards for being on time (which she valued extremely) and performing her work duties accurately.
Described as a great lady and Dame, "Vivacious Vivian" always had great energy and brought both wisdom and joy to every get together. There was always a smile on her face and kind words. Even in her last days, there was singing and so much laughter.
Vivian was a devoted daughter, mother, godmother, sister, auntie, cousin and friend. Those left to cherish her memory are her loving daughter Kia (Byron) Williams; brother Leon (Vanessa) Smith; sisters-in-law Sheila Sawyers and Judy Hilton; nieces Stacy (Quentin) Blakley, Natalie Zachary and Amber Sawyers; nephews Miguel Long, Carlton Sawyers II and Darius Smith; great-nieces Danielle Zachary and Chloe Sawyers; great-nephews Chase Blakley, Collin Blakley, Coby Blakley, Chandler Blakley and Caison King; and a host of cousins, other relatives and friends.
What’s your fondest memory of Vivian?
What’s a lesson you learned from Vivian?
Share a story where Vivian's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Vivian you’ll never forget.
How did Vivian make you smile?