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Gracie Louise Sawyer, 76, of Monticello, Arkansas, passed away on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Belle View Nursing and Rehab. She was born on December 20, 1949, in Lacey, Arkansas, to the late Newt Washington, Sr. and Addie Bea Washington. Gracie was the devoted wife of the late Bertis Sawyer, with whom she shared 56 years of marriage.
Gracie grew up in the Pentecostal church. As a young adult, she obeyed the Gospel of Christ and became a faithful member of Sweet Union Church of God in Christ in New Edinburg, Arkansas. She loved attending services, serving her church, and firmly believed in the power of prayer.
Gracie was employed by Burlington Industries and later worked as an in-home caregiver, dedicating a combined total of 30 years to serving others. She was an exceptionally hard worker who cherished spending time with her family, friends, and church family. Gracie was the heart of every family gathering and always enjoyed making sure everyone was well fed. She was known for her remarkable knowledge of her family's history and had a passion for cooking, cleaning, and tending to her beautiful flower gardens.
In addition to her parents and her husband, Gracie was preceded in death by four brothers, James Washington, Edward Washington, Eugene Washington, and Newt Washington, Jr.; and two sisters, Margaret Griggs and Joyce Darrough.
Gracie leaves to cherish her memory her loving and devoted daughter, Winter (Marvin) Owens, and her son, Stacy Sawyer; four grandchildren, Chancellor Owens, Jazlyn Owens, Stacy Sawyer, Jr., and Marvin Owens, Jr.; two brothers, Bernard Washington and John (Kimberly) Washington; three sisters, Leola Roberts, Earlene Middleton, and Hazelene (James) McCray, Sr.; two sisters-in-law, Shirley Washington and Barbara Washington; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Chapel. Homegoing Celebration services will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Holy Deliverance Church of God in Christ, 1109 South Myrtle Street, Warren, Arkansas. Interment will follow at Oakland Cemetery.
Gracie grew up in the Pentecostal church. As a young adult, she obeyed the Gospel of Christ and became a faithful member of Sweet Union Church of God in Christ in New Edinburg, Arkansas. She loved attending services, serving her church, and firmly believed in the power of prayer.
Gracie was employed by Burlington Industries and later worked as an in-home caregiver, dedicating a combined total of 30 years to serving others. She was an exceptionally hard worker who cherished spending time with her family, friends, and church family. Gracie was the heart of every family gathering and always enjoyed making sure everyone was well fed. She was known for her remarkable knowledge of her family's history and had a passion for cooking, cleaning, and tending to her beautiful flower gardens.
In addition to her parents and her husband, Gracie was preceded in death by four brothers, James Washington, Edward Washington, Eugene Washington, and Newt Washington, Jr.; and two sisters, Margaret Griggs and Joyce Darrough.
Gracie leaves to cherish her memory her loving and devoted daughter, Winter (Marvin) Owens, and her son, Stacy Sawyer; four grandchildren, Chancellor Owens, Jazlyn Owens, Stacy Sawyer, Jr., and Marvin Owens, Jr.; two brothers, Bernard Washington and John (Kimberly) Washington; three sisters, Leola Roberts, Earlene Middleton, and Hazelene (James) McCray, Sr.; two sisters-in-law, Shirley Washington and Barbara Washington; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Chapel. Homegoing Celebration services will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Holy Deliverance Church of God in Christ, 1109 South Myrtle Street, Warren, Arkansas. Interment will follow at Oakland Cemetery.