Mrs. Joyce Ann Bailey Sawyer, age 78, of Fleetwood, passed away Wednesday evening, March 2, 2011, at her home.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

She was born Aug. 27, 1932, in Petersburg, VA to Benjamin and Georgia Bailey. She resided with her family in Ashe County for the past 30 years.

She is survived by her husband of 59 years, John R. Sawyer, Sr. of the home; four daughters, Linda Trivette and husband, Gary, of Fleetwood, Janice Long of Fleetwood, Myra Trivette and husband, Charles, of Fleetwood, Georgia McLean and husband, Joey, of Banner Elk; two sons, John R. Sawyer, Jr. and wife, Donna, of Williamstown, MA, Robert Sawyer and wife, Heather, of Winston Salem; four brothers, Benjamin Bailey and wife, Jackie, of Chester, VA, Larry Bailey and wife, Joyce, of Newtown, VA, Vernard Bailey of Makota, VA, David Bailey of Sutherland, VA; one sister, Estelle Sutton and husband, David, of Sutherland, VA; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by a brother, William Bailey.

Memorials may be made to the family, c/o John Sawyer, PO Box 832, West Jefferson, NC 28694 or to High Country Health Care Hospice, PO Box 421, Jefferson, NC 28640.

You may leave the family your condolences at our website at www.boonefuneralhome.com.

Boone Family Funeral Home of West Jefferson is in charge of these arrangements.