Funeral services for Mrs. Patricia Martin Sawyer of Farmerville will be held on Saturday, September 25th at 2pm at First Baptist Church of Farmerville. Mrs. Sawyer died on Sunday, September 19th after a brief illness. Burial will follow in Rocky Branch Cemetery.

Mrs. Sawyer was a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, friend to many, and daughter of the King. "Miss Pat," as she was known by countless children of Union Parish, served her community as a secretary for 38 years, first at Rocky Branch Elementary School and then at Union Parish Elementary School. She looked at her job as one of the great callings of her life and as an opportunity to serve her Creator to the best of her abilities by guiding future generations and assisting with their education. She was a much loved fixture of the school who was never too busy to offer encouragement, council, and comfort to both children and staff alike.

Mrs. Sawyer was born in Springhill, long time resident of Rocky Branch, and later, Farmerville. She was a Springhill High School graduate and attended Louisiana Tech University. She was an active member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church of Rocky Branch for many years and later, First Baptist Church of Farmerville, where she was always ready to serve her Lord. She especially loved working with children in the children's choir, youth group, and vacation bible school. She and her beloved husband, Tony Sawyer, were founding members of the Rocky Branch Volunteer Fire Department, where she served as treasurer, and were both active members of the Rocky Branch School Parent Teacher Organization. She also volunteered at a local crisis intervention hotline for several years. She felt that community service should be the cornerstone of one's life and she used it as an opportunity to share the Light of the Lord with others and to strive to live the life her Lord had mapped out for her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Tony Sawyer; her granddaughter, Kirsten Barnes; her great grandson, Tre' Nieman; her brother, Sam Martin; and her sister, Reba Woods. She had full faith that she would be reunited with them.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Shelley Barnes of West Monroe and Andrea and David Beckler of Bernice; her grandchildren, Megan and Chris Martin of Crowville and Skylar Barnes of West Monroe; her great grandchildren, Dawson, Holton, and Lexie Martin; her sister, Deborah Martin; her brother Mike Martin; her sister-in-law Barbara Martin; and her many precious nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visitation will be held Friday, September 24th from 5pm to 7pm at Farrar Funeral Home in Farmerville.

Donations in her memory can be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital.

*The family requests that if you plan to attend the services, please wear a mask and practice social distancing.