Birth Date: 12/29/1928
Deceased Date: 01/09/2025
Elizabeth Sawrey passed away peacefully, Thursday January 9, 2025, surrounded by her loving family at the SECU Hospice House in Smithfield. Born and raised in Johnston County, Elizabeth was the daughter of David A. Johnson and Ethel M. Johnson. She was the eldest of three daughters, with Anna Margaret (Stanley) and Dorothy (Hulett) preceding her in death. Elizabeth spent her adult life in Smithfield and was married to Henry Vance Sawrey for 44 years prior to his passing in 1995. She was a graduate of Smithfield High School in 1947 and Women’s College (UNCG) in 1951. Elizabeth received her degree in Business Administration and utilized that education in her lengthy career at Automotive Parts Co, Inc. and Inline Fluid Power, Inc. until October 2024.
Elizabeth lived a full and vibrant life for 96 years, only recently stopping work and driving. She loved her family deeply and was actively involved in their lives; celebrating weddings, births, graduations of all kinds, and family holidays. She was adored by family, friends and anyone she encountered. Elizabeth never met a stranger! She was passionately involved in various organizations, including the Smithfield Junior Woman’s Club, JCCC Foundation Board, and Smithfield’s Trial and Error Garden Club. Her passion for gardening was evident in her beautiful yard filled with annual and perennial plants, especially her new favourite, peonies. A special thank you to her good friend Dwight Arey who helped her manage that yard for the last year as Elizabeth’s health began to decline. Later in life, Elizabeth discovered her passion for painting and became a prolific artist. Her work was tastefully displayed throughout her home.
A devoted member of Centenary United Methodist Church in Smithfield, Elizabeth spent many hours enhancing the church’s landscape. She and her dear friend Mable Yelvington were especially passionate about the Backpack Buddy program at Centenary. They were driving forces in the organization, funding, packing and delivering Backpacks of food and Winter Coats to children at West Smithfield Elementary.
A lifelong sports fan, Elizabeth enjoyed following golf, tennis, college football and basketball. She loved all things Wolfpack! Elizabeth loved her Wolfpack family. She and Vance traveled to a multitude of Wolfpack sporting events over the years, including the NCAA basketball Championships in 1974 and 1983!
Elizabeth is survived by son David (wife Rodney), grandsons; Benton (wife Beth), great- grandson Greyson, great-granddaughter, Allie and grandson Patrick; daughter, Susan McGee, grandson, Clayton, granddaughter, Emery (husband Malik) and great-grandson, Aiden; son, James (wife Kathy) granddaughters; Taylor and Meredith and grandson, Vance.
The family would like to thank Elizabeth’s very special caregivers Chrystal, Veda, Tammy, Patsy and Ann. Their loving kindness and compassion over the last few weeks will never be forgotten.
A celebration of life will be held at Centenary United Methodist Church in Smithfield on Saturday, January 18th, 2025. Visitation from 10:00 am-11:00 am, with the service following at 11:00am
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Centenary United Methodist Church (Backpack Buddy Program) 140 E. Market Street Smithfield, NC, 27577 or SECU Hospice House 426 Hospital Road Smithfield, NC, 27577.
