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WILMINGTON – Lois Perry Sawyer died Saturday, January 27th at the age of 91 in her home at Trinity Landing in Wilmington, North Carolina.

Born in Windsor, N.C. in 1932, she was the first daughter of John Cooper Perry and Lois Spruill Perry. She was a graduate of Saint Mary’s Junior College in Raleigh and the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill where she was a member of the Chi Omega Sorority.

Lois made her debut at the North Carolina Debutante Ball in 1951. She was a member of the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of North Carolina. Lois dedicated much of her life to Saint Mary’s School as an active alumna spending much time on campus visiting her daughter and granddaughter during their time as students. It was at Saint Mary’s where she made many life-long friends.

Lois married her childhood sweetheart, Dr. Charles Judson Sawyer III in 1956. Their children are Katherine Sawyer Mann and Charles Judson Sawyer IV. Their beloved grandchildren are Samuel Austin Mann Jr., Charles Bonner Mann, and Mary Ashburn Mann.

Lois enjoyed teaching, traveling, gardening, church work, and especially her family and friends. Lois spent her early adulthood teaching the 6th grade. She was a devout Episcopalian serving many roles in her church, St. Thomas Ahoskie, including alter guild and garden guild. She was known for her sharp mind, caramel cake, and love of reading or, most recently, playing Wordle.  Lois’ happy place was at the beach with her grandchildren or watching Carolina Basketball.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Frances Perry Peel and her husband, William Robert Peel; her son-in-law, Samuel Austin Mann; and sister-in-law, Katherine Sawyer Ward.

She is survived by her husband, her children and grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Lois’ memorial service will be held on Friday, February 2nd, 2024, at 11 a.m., at Saint Thomas’ Episcopal Church followed by a burial in the Ashes Garden. A reception will be held in the Parish Hall. All are invited.

Memorials may be made to St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 263, Ahoskie, North Carolina 27910 or St. Mary’s School, 900 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 27603, or you may donate online by visiting www.tmcfunding.com/search; type Lois Sawyer.

Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service of Ahoskie is assisting the Sawyer family and online condolences may be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.