Nancy Jane Sawyer, M.D.

Nancy Jane Sawyer, M.D., Ph.D.
December 31, 1939 - February 22, 2026

Dr. Nancy Sawyer passed away peacefully on February 22, 2026, at St. Martin's in the Pines after a period of declining health. A native of Kentucky, she was born in Mayfield during a major snowstorm just minutes before midnight on New Year's Eve. She often joked that she never liked her birthday—or being the baby of the family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert (Ted) Sawyer and Susie Wilkins Sawyer; her brothers, Dr. Robert Sawyer, John W. Sawyer, and Teddy Lee Sawyer; her beloved sister, Martha Sawyer Duncan; her niece, Joanie Sawyer Thacker; her nephew, Bill Sawyer; her great-nephew, William Vanderwerp; her best friend, Claire B. Underwood; and her two favorite cats, Bee and Abby.

She is survived by five nieces and nephews—Jan Sawyer Mulloy (Leigh), Diane Sawyer Bologna (Bill), Jill Sawyer Vanderwerp (Mark), Denis Julian Duncan (Tammy), and Susan Duncan Compton (Joe)—as well as fifteen great-nieces and great-nephews. She adored each of them and cherished the many vacations and family gatherings they shared over the years.

Dr. Sawyer was valedictorian of Symsonia (KY) High School and graduated with distinction from Murray State University in just three years, earning a B.A. in Biology and Chemistry. While there, she was a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority. She went on to receive her M.S. in Pharmacology from the University of Tennessee School of Medicine in Memphis and later served as an instructor in Pharmacology at the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy in Oxford. During her time in Oxford, MS she became an expert duplicate bridge player, a hobby she later set aside when she entered medical school.

She continued her academic career as an assistant professor of Pharmacology at Mercer University School of Pharmacy in Atlanta while pursuing doctoral studies at Emory University. After a three-year engagement ended, she moved to Birmingham, where she completed her Ph.D. and earned her medical degree at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine. While in medical school, she taught part-time in the dental school and in UAB's first Physician Assistant Program. She completed her postgraduate training in Internal Medicine at Carraway Medical Center.

Dr. Sawyer entered private practice in Leeds and Vincent, Alabama. During this time, she served as co-medical director for the first nurse practitioner program in the UAB School of Nursing and mentored many of its students. In 1989, she joined the Mitral Valve Prolapse-Dysautonomia Center at Baptist Montclair Medical Center, where she deepened her understanding of the connection between childhood trauma and adult illnesses such as addiction, panic disorder, depression, chronic pain, and other emotional and physical conditions.

In 2005, she opened her own practice at Baptist Montclair, focusing on dysautonomic autoimmune disorders and related illnesses, particularly those affecting women. She closed the practice in 2011 due to health issues and later worked part-time at Birmingham Health Care until her retirement in 2015. She especially valued caring for homeless patients and the women of the Lovelady Center.

Dr. Sawyer was a member of the active medical staff at Carraway Medical Center, Brookwood Medical Center, and Baptist Montclair (later Trinity Medical Center). She served on numerous medical committees and associations throughout her career. She was particularly honored to be named one of Birmingham's Best Doctors in 2011 by B-Metro Magazine, an award based on peer review.

A memorial service will be held at Highlands United Methodist Church, in Birmingham, AL on March 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with the Rev. Emily Freeman Penfield officiating. The family will receive guests thirty minutes prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Highlands United Methodist Church—Community Ministries, 1045 20th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35205, or to a charity of your choice.


Nancy and her family extend heartfelt thanks to the nurses and staff at St. Martin's in the Pines and Compassus Hospice for their compassionate care over the past two years; to her friends in Circle 2 and the New Sunday School Class at Highlands, especially Kathleen Thompson; and to Dick L'Eplattenier, whose weekly visits were such a blessing. She was deeply grateful for the friendship of Leslie Woodham, who came into her life at just the right time; for Pam Denty and her family, who stood by her for more than forty years; and for the kindness of Sherry Henderson, Danni Green, Mary Pat Brown, and Jennifer Ross. Her life was richer because of each of you.

Above all, Nancy was profoundly thankful for the thousands of patients who entrusted their care to her over four decades. They made her work not merely a profession but a true ministry—one she carried out with exceptional dedication and heart.