We, the members of the family of the late Phyllis Walker Sawyer, bow in humble submission to the inevitable will of our Heavenly Father, who on Thursday afternoon, May 21, 2020 made her peaceful transition from her earthly home at the precious age of 51, in the company of friends, family and loved ones. Phyllis was preceded in death by her Father, Phillip Walker, and Sister Sherrie Brown, Brother in Law Russell Stith all of Portsmouth, Virginia and Aunt and Uncle Diane and Clarence Jordan of Chesapeake, VA.
Phyllis was born to the Phillip and Gloria Walker on the 12th day of March, 1969 in Portsmouth, Virginia. She graduated at Woodrow Wilson High School in 1987, and later continued higher education at Tidewater Technical College for a duration of 2 years where she received her Dental Assistant Certification and worked in this career field for over 10 years. She was united in marriage to Benjamin F. Sawyer Jr. on November 7th 1988, from this union they shared 4 children and 4 grandchildren. Phyllis is survived by Husband Benjamin F. Sawyer Jr., Sons Deontre Sawyer, Benjamin Sawyer and Mar’Kedrius Lair, Daughter Banite Sawyer, Daughter in Law Tatiana Lair, Future Daughter in Law Violet Rodriguez, Grandsons Mar’Kedrius Lair II, Kylan Lair, and Samir Sawyer, Granddaughter Mar’Leigh Lair, Mother Gloria Walker of Portsmouth, Mother-In-Law Lillian Sawyer of Dover DE, Aunt Geraldine Hall of Yorba Linda, CA, Uncle James Walker of Virginia Beach, Uncle Jack Walker of Portsmouth, Uncle Charlie Walker of Portsmouth, Sisters Angela and Patrice Walker of Portsmouth, Brother Karl Roberts of Lanham, MD, Sisters-in Law Melissa Sawyer of Dover DE and Benita McCrary of Middleburg, FL, Brother in Laws Marvin Brown of Chesapeake, Antonio Sherrod of Portsmouth, and Andre McCrary of Middleburg FL, Nephews Antonio Sherrod III of Virginia Beach, Juwan Jenkins of Chesapeake, Garzelle Hall of Dover DE, Phillip Walker of Portsmouth and Karl Roberts II of Charlotte NC, Nieces LaShanta Jackson of Chesapeake, Tonae Sherrod of Suitland MD, Nicole Nolen and Noel Taylor of Jacksonville, FL and a host of cousins and close friends.
Phyllis was a devoted wife, mother, sister and friend. She loved her family fiercely and had no problem expressing that to any and every one. She had a unique way of touching those she came in contact with, whether it was her friendly manner and hosting family gatherings, or by continually showing deep concern for the ones she loved. Those who knew her would describe her as loving, independent, and a social butterfly. She was truly the definition of one of a kind.
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Sebrena R Daughtry says
May 27, 2020 at 9:07 amPhyllis was a beautiful young lady inside and out. My classmate from W.W.H.S. she and her sister Chee Chee very sweet ladies to know and luv. Lil. Phil as we called her will truly be missed. My prayers are with the family at this difficult time. God makes no mistakes. We luv her but God luved her best. R. I. H. My sis./ friend Phyllis aka. Lil. Phil until we meet again on the other side. ????????????❤????????
LeSans and Tony Alexander says
May 27, 2020 at 1:19 pmBen, praying for you and your family.
Sheila Johnson says
May 28, 2020 at 9:06 pmPhyllis was like a sister to me. Her son Ben and my son are best friends. We didn’t talk all the time , but when we did we picked up right where we left off. Amazing!!!.You will be truly missed Phyllis. God will give you strength Ben and the rest of the family. We are a phone call away. Love yall.
Ofelia rodriguez says
May 29, 2020 at 11:06 amFrom the Rodriguez family we give you our deepest condolences and are with you in this time of greef with all the family, may she Rest In Peace
Dr. Andria Chapman-Taliaferro says
May 27, 2020 at 9:54 amPhyllis was loved by many and brought laughter to all! She will be missed, but never forgotten. Condolences to her family who she loved dearly.
Chimere says
May 27, 2020 at 11:11 amWhen I first met her it was all love, I know she wasn’t my family, but she let me call her auntie. I’m still lost for words & my condolences goes out to the walker/sawyer family. I love ull soo much
MELISSA WILLIAMS says
May 28, 2020 at 11:13 pmI met Phyllis when they moved to DE. We worked together at Catalog Resources. You couldn’t tell us that we weren’t related. We lost touch and when we connected it was like we picked up right where we left off. She was the life of the party and she would light up a room. She will truly be missed by the people that she touched. RIH lil Phil
Stephanie Cartwright says
May 27, 2020 at 9:56 amSending heartfelt condolences to the Sawyer and Walker family. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May God grant each of you comfort, strength and peace. RIH “Lil Phil” your classmate at WWHS. Blessings to the family!
Jon Gray says
May 27, 2020 at 11:31 amMy condolences are with Ben and the family. I w known Ben through our service in the US Air Force and have continued to work with him in the FAA. Our FAA family also sends condolences to the Sawyers. May Phyllis Rest In Heaven. Amen!
Kimberly Brown says
May 27, 2020 at 3:39 pmSending our condolences to you and your family cuz. We will remember the good times and laughs we had with Lil Phil when our family visited each other. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God comfort you doing this difficult time and give you peace. Love you all of you and take care.
Mehran Irdmousa says
May 27, 2020 at 11:58 amSorry to hear the loss. Always here for full support for the family.
Forever in our hearts!
Donna Quinerly says
May 27, 2020 at 12:23 pmSending heartfelt condolences to the Walker-Sawyer families. My thoughts and prayers are with you all through these difficult times. Your families have my deepest sympathy. RIH Lil Phil
Alisha & Rayshawn Smith says
May 27, 2020 at 12:43 pmSending out our heartfelt condolences to the Sawyer and Walker family. Met Phil while our husband worked together at England AFB in Louisiana. Truly a beautiful soul. She will be greatly missed. RIP Lil Phil.
Mekey Brown and family says
May 28, 2020 at 8:56 pmOn behalf of me and my family I send my brother and his family my deepest condolences. This was very hard for me to write as I remember the first time we met, over 35 years ago when I was 12. I thought you were taking my cousin, but you were becoming my sister. Lil Phil had that personality that was real. She lit up the room with her laughter and conversation. I’ve looked at past pictures and cannot believe the next time I’m visiting I won’t see you. You know you will always be in my thoughts. Rest In Peace Phyllis
Ron Taylor, MSgt. USAF (Ret) says
May 27, 2020 at 1:14 pmSo very sorry to hear of this. My heartfelt condolences go out to Ben and the family. Please know that you are in my thoughts.
Kim M. Gibvs says
May 27, 2020 at 4:35 pmI’m going to miss you. Sending my condolences to the Sawyer & Walker family especially Bennie and Ma Gloria. Lil Phil was my sister and will always be especially deep in my heart. She took care of me. Love you always and the family. ❣️♥️❤️????????????????
Kim Tolbert says
May 27, 2020 at 9:15 pmCousin Lil Phil, though in later years some of us moved away, there will always be that bond between the Walkers 50+ first cousins and how much fun we had growing up! Condolences to AUNT Gloria, Angie, Chee Chee and the Sawyer family. Praying God’s comfort and peace. Love you!
Jack T. Walker. says
May 27, 2020 at 5:20 pmLil Phil was my youngest brother youngest daughter. I loved her dearly.She Wii be surely missed. My heart and prayers go out to the Sawyer and Walker families.May she rest in paradise.
Francesca Dillard-Moore says
May 27, 2020 at 6:27 pmSending heartfelt condolences to Benny Sawyer (my little brother) and his family as well as the Walker family. Rest in Heaven Lil Field! Love you, Benny!
Aunt Phyllis says
May 27, 2020 at 7:30 pmI am so sad that you left us so early with your pretty, sassy self. I know that Ben, Gloria, your sisters and your kids will miss you. I will miss you. You are in GODs hands.We will all see you again! !
Freida Bashay says
May 27, 2020 at 9:44 pmOn behalf of myself & the Freeman’s of Ida Barbour, I want to express sincere condolences ???? to Ben & their kids & to Ms.Gloria, Angie, & Che-Che, we will All miss Lil Phil dearly, but know that She remains in our hearts with the love she distributed to MANY. REST NOW MY SWEET FRIEND
Darlecia Howard says
May 27, 2020 at 11:03 pmSending my deepest and heartfelt condolences to the Sawyer and Walker family. I know you all will miss her but she is not suffering anymore. I pray that God will give you all comfort and uplifted hearts. God Bless you and may his light shine upon you. Rest peace, Lil Phil…
Darlecia Howard says
May 27, 2020 at 11:05 pmSending my deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family. I know you all will miss her but she is not suffering anymore. I pray that God will give you all comfort and uplifted hearts. May God Bless you all.
Bonnie says
May 28, 2020 at 11:48 amMy prayer for the Walker/Sawyer families Renew their strength, Lord. Fill them with your supernatural power to overcome each obstacle in there path. With my eyes on you, Lord, with you walking beside them, Give them strength to make it today and every day. Thank you, Lord! I will always remember our best days growing up in Ida Barbour, Ms. Gloria and her girls were family. Rest in paradise lil phil. Love Bonnie
Tom Bradley says
May 28, 2020 at 12:22 pmBen,
Sorry to hear of Phyllis’ passing and want to share my condolences. May the good Lord watch over you and your family and lift you up in this difficult time.
Tom Bradley
Jacquelyn Williams says
May 29, 2020 at 12:04 amDeepest condolences to The Family of Phyllis Sawyer. Family keep memories of Phyllis in your hearts & minds. I met Phyllis a few years ago at Bennie’s aunt home. She was very social and we got to know each other. I felt that she was very pleasant. .
Family she is now at rest. She is free from any kind of pain.
We will see her again when Our Savior returns.
Suzanne Beacham says
May 29, 2020 at 2:06 amMy sincere Condolences to the entire family. My heart breaks for you.
Marcia Long says
May 29, 2020 at 7:52 amMy deepest condolences to the entire family. Sending peace, prayers and comfort to you all. ????
Pascha Johnson says
May 29, 2020 at 9:55 amTo her children –
Once upon a time an angel held my hand.
She wiped away my tears and helped me understand
Our time on Earth is brief; there are lessons to be learned.
Each precious day God gives us, another page is turned.
Every chapter full of memories, times of joy and tears,
Triumphs and defeats, through every passing year.
She loved us unconditionally, always by our side.
When no one else would listen, in her we could confide.
With gentle words of wisdom, she led us on our way,
Down the paths of righteousness if ever we did stray.
She saw the light in everyone and gave with no regrets,
Always from her heart, let’s not forget.
Angels come in many forms; for me it was my mother.
With love I cannot say in words there’ll never be another.
Every day I turn the page, in my heart will ever remain
Everything she taught me as I stroll down memory lane.
Thank you, God, for giving me the most priceless of all treasures.
Help my, Lord, to keep alive her memory here forever.
I pray that I can someday be everything she hoped I would,
That she’s smiling down from heaven knowing she did good.
As we gather here today, there’s no ending to her story.
Another chapter has begun, full of grace and glory.
God’s called her to his heavenly home, part of his great plan.
Although it may be hard, we all must understand.
Faith is what is hoped for, things we cannot see.
Heaven is promised to all of us if only we believe.
Lori T Jones says
May 29, 2020 at 10:00 amMay the peace that comes from the memories of love shared comfort you now and in the days ahead. Healing wishes for the Sawyer and Walker family.
Missunderstood (Dee) says
May 29, 2020 at 10:27 amSending abundant love & support to the family! She wasn’t technically my aunt but she let me call her Aunt lil phyl like everyone else and ALWAYS welcomed me in love when I visited with her neice LaShanta! We love you REST PEACEFULLY-
Jean Mann says
May 29, 2020 at 1:37 pmTo the Family, sincere condolences on your loss! Words cannot fully express the deep sorrow upon hearing the news. Our family is praying for you all, that God will strengthen, comfort and bring peace during this difficult time: ????????????
Ronnie Mitchell says
May 29, 2020 at 7:45 pmI want to extend my heart felt condolences to you and your family the creator will help keep you strong. You are in my prayers ????❣️
Andria Edwards says
June 4, 2020 at 7:40 pmBen, my deepest condolences to you and your family. I pray you find strength in knowing God makes no mistakes. You and your family are in my prayers
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