Joyce Ann Sawyer

With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Joyce Ann Tooke Sawyer, who left us peacefully on June 3, 2024, in Arlington, just one day after celebrating her 91^st birthday in the hospital with her children, grandchildren & great grandchildren.

Joyce was born June 2^nd, 1933, in Mexia, Texas to Eddie & Pauline Tooke.  She was a graduate of Mexia High School where she excelled in all her classes, which moved her 2 grades up.  She sang in the choir, played in the band and on the volleyball team.   After mom being moved, that’s where she met the love of her life, Chesley Paul Sawyer.  They became high school sweethearts and were married 67 years which was a testament to true love.

Joyce, a vibrant member of her community, she was actively involved with the Jr. Women’s Club, Arlington Civic Club and Ballando Dance Club. Her commitment to service extended to her children’s education, where she was an active participant in the PTA.

A longtime member of First Baptist Church and the church choir, she dedicated herself to her faith and community, teaching Sunday School and mentoring many along the way.  Her bright, colorful personality and infectious sense of humor made her a cherished friend and confidante to many. She had a natural ability to make others laugh and feel supported, especially her children and their friends, whom she mentored and counseled with great care.

Joyce Ann will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her legacy of love, humor and community spirit will live on in the hearts of her family and friends forever.

Joyce is preceded in death by her husband Paul Sawyer, son Jackie Sawyer, granddaughter Paula Sawyer Watson, grandson Scott Sawyer, brothers Wendell Tooke and Eddie Don Tooke, her beloved sister Madge Tooke Pitzer and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Survived by her son Bryan Sawyer and wife Tammy, grandson Brandon Sawyer and wife Christie, great grandchildren Blakey, Everly, Chesley and Waylon, granddaughter Ashley Rodemeyer and husband Ben, daughter Robin Davis and husband Barry, grandson Sawyer Davis and wife Courtney, great granddaughter Charlotte Joyce, grandson Parker Davis, Audrey Sawyer and son Gary, great grandson Alex Watson, son of Paula Sawyer and great grandson Maxwell Sawyer, son of Scott and Katy Sawyer Terry