Ideluia Ann Sawyers

On Friday, April 19, 2024, Ideluia A. Sawyers smiled and went home to be with the Lord, while surrounded by her family and heavenly angels. She was born in Tarrytown, NY on November 24, 1958, the next to the youngest of five children of the late Curtis and Isabel Pearson. 

 

Sister Sawyers graduated from John F. Kennedy University (California) earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Capella University (Virginia) earning a Master’s Degree in Human Services/Counseling. She had an extensive career spanning over 30 years in the field of Human Services and over 25 years in the field of addiction. 

 

Prior to retiring in 2021 from Diamond Healthcare as an Addiction Coordinator, Sister Sawyers worked as an Attendance Coordinator for Hampton City Schools, a Program Manager for Hampton Roads Regional Jail, a Substance Abuse Therapist in Hampton and Newport News, a Support Services Coordinator, Resource Specialist in Norfolk, a Social Worker in Hampton and a counselor at Covenant House for runaway youth in New Orleans. 

 

As a teenager Ideluia played softball for the Tarrytown COC, and later in life she loved traveling (especially cruising), shopping, beating everybody at Bid Whist, and most of all spending quality time with her family. 

 

Sister Ideluia was saved and baptized as a young person at the New Hope Institutional Baptist Church (Reverend Sherman E. Nabors). Later upon, moving to California she was a member of Love Center Ministries and recorded with the Love Center Choir (Love Alive Album 5) under the direction of the late legendary pastor and gospel artist, Bishop Walter Hawkins. Upon relocating to Hampton, Virginia, Ideluia was a member of Ivy Baptist Church, (Pastor Kevin Swann) and later settled at the Mercy Seat Baptist Church, (Pastor I. Charles Williams). During her membership at Mercy Seat, Sister Ideluia was active in weekly Bible Study and sang tenor in the Mass Choir. Her favorite hymn was, “Draw Me Nearer.” 

 

She was optimistic, never complaining even until the end. She loved life and the Lord with all her heart.

 

She leaves to cherish her memory: Calvin D. Sawyers, son Dwight D. Sawyers, two stepdaughters, Kamisha and Brandy; two sisters: Curtarene D. Pearson and the Reverend Frieda P. Smith; a brother, Devon Pearson (Kaori); an Aunt Nancy Rhodes; two brother and sister-in-laws, several nephews, nieces, great nieces, cousins; special cousins Adrienne, Kelly, and Rhonda, sponsor Linda Redmond, childhood friend Christine Armstrong and too many  devoted friends and acquaintances to mention. 

 

Special thanks to Dr. Mitchell L Shiffman, Ms. Marilou Cicero and the staff at UVA Charlottesville. 

At 11am on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, A Celebration of Life will be held at Mercy Seat Baptist Church Hampton, VA. Viewing will take place one hour prior to the service at 10am on Wednesday. Please keep the Pearson - Sawyers family in your thoughts and prayers.