Celesta Sawyer Sr.

Celesta Sawyer Sr. NORFOLK - Celesta Sawyer Sr., 80, passed away peacefully in his home and went on to be with his Lord and Savior Aug. 25, 2008. He loved the Lord, his family and his many friends. He was a native of Princess Anne County. He was one of eight children of the late Mattie McKay and Albert Gray. He was a member of Zion Light Church. As a trade, he was a brick mason laborer and custodian of Norfolk public schools. He leaves to cherish precious memories his loving and devoted wife of 62 years, Juanita O. Sawyer; one daughter, Jacqueline R. Keyes (Leroy) of Virginia Beach; two sons, Richard O. Sawyer (Shelia) and Allen L. Sawyer all of Norfolk; a son-in-law, Stanley Painter of Norfolk; a special daughter, Iris Rhone of Norfolk; a sister, Mary Williams of New York; one brother-in-law, George A. Smith of Norfolk; a very special person, LaVerne Davis of Richmond; 15 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members and friends. The family would like to give a special thanks to the Odyssey Health Care Staff and A-1 At Home Care staff. His singing, laughing and storytelling will be missed. He brought joy and touched the lives of many people during his lifetime. Even when his health began to fail, he still had a humorous and joyful attitude. He will be remembered as a man who had a wonderful sense of humor who was passionate about his family and loved his many friends. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in Zion Light Church by his pastor, Elder Percy Barnes. Interment will be held in Roosevelt Memorial Park. Graves Funeral Home is handling arrangements. www.gravesfuneralhomeinc.com.