Published on April 2, 2025 5:40 pm
Last Updated on April 2, 2025 5:40 pm
Christine Sawyer, 92, of Lerna, Illinois passed away at 2:59 AM Monday, March 31, 2025 in the Willow Breeze Hospice House in Mattoon, Illinois.
She was born February 21, 1933 in Coles County, Illinois. She was the daughter of Frank and Faye (Young) Pugsley. Christine graduated from Neoga High School in 1951. She married Marion I. Sawyer July 7, 1953 in Mattoon, Illinois. He passed away May 1996.
Christine, Marion and their children moved into the house they built in rural Lerna in 1965. Soon after, she began serving the Lerna school children as their cook. She continued on with cooking at Lincoln School, Jefferson School Headstart, Charleston Middle School, Coles County Jail and as Head Cook in the Food Service Center of Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois.
She took her faith in Jesus Christ seriously. She gladly served as a Sunday School Teacher for multiple age groups, and served as Church Secretary for several years at North Side Baptist Church in Charleston, Illinois. Christine was a member of the Buck Grove Community Church in Mattoon, Illinois and attended until her health declined. Christine enjoyed sewing, gardening, crocheting, attending church outings, Lifespan activities, exercising at the YMCA and especially spending time with family.
She is survived by her children; Harold Sawyer (Jenny) of Lerna, Illinois, Carol Jones (Sam) of Ashmore, Illinois, Patricia Sparks (Keith) of Charleston, Illinois and John Sawyer (Bobbi) of Charleston, Illinois; grandchildren, Bea “Beth” Sawyer, Ryan Navel, Bryan Sparks, Mitch Sawyer (Aryele O’ Dell), Tia Sawyer, Hali Sawyer, Joli Sawyer; great grandchildren, Magnolia “Maggie” Sawyer, Will Sawyer and Jack Sawyer; and special friends, Sandy and Mary Alice.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Marion Sawyer; brothers, Charles (Charlie) Pugsley and Robert (Bob) Pugsley; sister Lucille Turner.
A special thank you to everyone for the care, comfort, and prayers they have provided to Christine and the family.
Also, thank you to the Neoga Sew Happy Hearts Quilt Guild for the beautiful lap quilt.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Willow Breeze Hospice House in Mattoon, Illinois.
Private family Graveside Services will be held at a later date.
Burial will be in the Janesville Cemetery in Janesville, Illinois.
The Swengel – O’Dell Funeral Home of Neoga, Illinois is assisting the family with arrangements.
Online condolences may be expressed by clicking here.