Betty Pride (King) Sawyer

Mrs. Betty Pride (King) Sawyer passed away Sunday evening, October 2, 2016, after having lived a very full life over 94 years. Betty grew up on the near east side of Columbus and was a graduate of East High School. She attended Bennett College in Greensboro, NC., where she was involved in theater and gymnastics, and became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Her junior year she transferred to The Ohio State University where she graduated with a Baccalaureate degree in Education. Shortly afterward, Betty married William Wesley Sawyer also from Columbus. While the nation was still involved in World War II, Betty worked at Curtis Wright making airplane parts and munitions to support the U.S. war effort. She later she worked until retirement as a Contracting Sales Officer for the Defense Construction Supply Center where she especially enjoyed conducting in-person bids because of her interaction with international clients. Additionally, for many years, she managed the financials for her parents’ Shell gas stations. Known to her loved ones as “Betty P,” “Beatie,” and “Aunt B,” she is remembered for her dedication to her three children. To them, she was a loving mom, a hero, a teacher, a mentor, a cheerleader and their most staunch supporter. She and her husband Wesley devoted their lives to their children and always placed the family first. Betty continues to be known as the quintessential super mom of the Eastgate neighborhood. She is best known for hosting little league football after game barbecues, swimming pool parties and sleepovers for the girls. The warmth, love, guidance and support that Betty and Wesley provided, and the fun and good times enjoyed at their house, made their home “the place to be” for all the kids in the neighborhood. Along with taking care of her husband and children, Betty was always a devoted caregiver to any family member or friend who was ill or shut in. Shortly after retirement, Betty began serving on the Board of Directors of her daughter Deborah’s newly formed engineering company (1991) Environmental Design International, Inc. (EDI) and served as a Board member until her recent passing. She enjoyed keeping up with the latest professional golf, tennis and OSU football. Most of all she enjoyed her family, home and beloved pets, especially her cats. Betty was predeceased by her parents, William Pride King and Mabel (Weaver) King; brother, William L. King (Constance Joy); husband, Wm. Wesley Sawyer; infant daughter, Lisa Sawyer; and daughter, Deborah Mabel Sawyer (August 2016). She is survived by her daughter, Leslie Joy Sawyer (Rick Redmon); son, Wm. Gregory Sawyer (Rita Gloria Sawyer); niece, Karen Pride (King) Phillips (Fred); nephew, Wm. David King (Patricia): great nephews, Wm. Brian King, David A. King, Kevin J. King, Anthony A. King; great niece, Tiffanie D. King; sisters-in law, LaVerne (Dukes) King and Gertrude M. Sawyer and close family friends Cynthia Barnett (Ranford Hopkins) and a host of extended family and friends. Memorial Celebration of Life 2 p.m., Thursday, October 13, 2016 in the chapel of DIEHL-WHITTAKER FUNERAL SERVICE, 720 E. Long St., where her family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until the start of service. In lieu of flowers, please honor the memory of Betty P. Sawyer with a donation to her favorite charity: Cat Welfare, 741 Wetmore Road, Columbus, Ohio 43214 (www.catwelfareassoc.org). “You can shed tears that she is gone, or you can smile because she lived.” We have chosen to smile because Mom, Betty P., Beatie, Aunt B, Mrs. Sawyer loved and lived life to its fullest, shining a light on a life that was appreciated and truly well-lived.