IVOR — Virginia Sawyer Jewell, 74, died March 7, 2016 at her home in Ivor after a brief struggle with myasthenia gravis.

Virginia was born on Jan. 3, 1942, in Columbia, N.C., and was the third child, and only girl, of the late Edward and Gladys Sawyer.

A long-time resident of Isle of Wight County, Virginia had a varied and interesting career working at Smithfield Packing Company, Community Finance Company and the Isle of Wight County Sheriff’s Office.

Virginia had a huge heart and loved her town, her family, her numerous friends, almost everyone with whom she came in contact, and she was loved by all. Her greatest joy, however, was being a wife, a mother, a grandmother and a great-grandmother to her extensive family. She enjoyed many activities, but her favorite was cooking for family and friends, especially for holidays. In later life, she shared her love of Christmas with several Isle of Wight communities by transforming into Mrs. Santa Claus, participating in holiday parades and bringing joy to children and adults alike. 

Virginia is survived by her husband of 56 years, Alton; two sons, Douglas and wife Cathy of Virginia Beach, and Alton and wife Beth of Smithfield; two grandchildren, Justin Jewell and wife Stephanie of Carrollton, and Jenna Jewell of Ivor; and three great-grandchildren, Michael, Aubrey and Carter. She also is survived by three brothers, Edward Sawyer Jr. and wife Joyce of Plymouth, N.C.; Billy Sawyer of Moses Lake, Wash.; and Ted Sawyer and wife Jane of Smithfield, N.C.

The family will receive friends at Colonial Funeral Home, Carrollton for a visitation on Wednesday, March 9, at 11 a.m., followed by a noon celebration of life service. There will be a private graveside service at 3 p,m, in Creswell, N,C,, at Saint David’s Episcopal Church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America, Inc., at myasthenia.org.
Service arrangements are in the care of Colonial Funeral Home, Carrollton. Family and friends are encouraged to share condolences and remembrances at www.colonialfuneralhomesmithfield.com.