Weldon Sawyer

After having fought a good fight and staying the course, on Wednesday, July 30, 2014, Weldon James Sawyer quietly departed this life. Weldon was born on May 8, 1912 (as Weldon would often say, "You do the math") to the late Mathew Peter Sawyer and Elizabeth Hunter Sawyer in Elizabeth, NC. Weldon attended Lincoln Grade School in Roper, NC and Booker T. Washington High School in Rocky Mount, NC. At the age of 17, he moved to Harlem, NY, where he loved to entertain and dance at the Savoy Ballroom. He worked with his father painting and decorating. He was a supervisor for the Bridgeport Aluminum Co. making cylinder heads for PT boats and missiles during World War II. After the war was over, he went back to painting with his dad in Mount Vernon, NY. There, he met and married Ruth Nelson. From that union came three boys: Rinico, Wellington and Ronald. His wife, Ruth preceded him in death. He later met and married Mattie L. Tyson of Mount Vernon, NY, and from of this union came three boys and one girl: Wendell and Vernon born in Mount Vernon, NY and Lorraine and Michael born in Philadelphia, PA, where he moved his family. While in Philadelphia, he worked for the Duco Painting Co. where he painted oil tanks in Marcus Hook, PA. Later, Weldon became a Foreman at the Dan Weiss Painting Co. He painted filling stations better known as gas stations in Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland. Around 1970, he began painting for The Philadelphia Housing Authority. In 1980, he retired and moved back to Hempstead, NY, where he did odd jobs decorating and painting. Weldon then joined the South Hempstead Baptist Church, under the Pastorate of Pastor William C. Evans. He didn't just join the church, he was a servant for the Lord. He sang on the Special Church choir and the Male Chorus. He served on the Trustee board and also was the church custodian. At the age of 85 years old, he put his tools up and settled for ushering. Weldon also met and married Willie Mae Smith, a member of South Hempstead Baptist Church, who also preceded him in death. At the age of 97 years old, with health slowing him down but not out, Weldon moved to Smyrna, Delaware to live with his daughter, Lorraine until his demise. He leaves to cherish a life of fond memories: six sons: Rinico, Wellington (Lydia), Ronald, Wendell, Vernon (Elaine) and Michael (Marini); one daughter, Lorraine (Isaac); 18 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; five special daughters, Joyce, Cheryl (James), Carol H., Carol W. and Brenda S.; one special son, Alvah; and a host of cousins and friends. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Weldon Sawyer, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Weldon Sawyer

May 8, 1912 - July 30, 2014