Jo Lee Sawyer

Josephine Lee Sawyer, aka Jo Lee, Mom, Memaw and Gurrie passed on July 13, 2024 at Grand Living at Tamaya, assisted living facility in Jacksonville, FL after a long battle with dementia.

Jo Lee was born June 11,1939 in Jacksonville, FL and was the daughter of Samuel and Josephine Blondheim. She attended Fletcher High School and then continued her education at Florida State University and University of Florida where she earned her Associates Degree in Nursing, becoming an RN.

Jo Lee married Dr. A. Dane Sawyer jr, December 29, 1961. Their son, Dane III was born at Shands in 1963 and daughter Amy Lynne was born at Ft. Stewart in 1965. The family settled in Lakeland, FL in 1967. Jo Lee worked throughout the years in nursing at Lakeland General, Planned Parenthood and Polk County Health Department before retiring.

Jo Lee was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s by the Sea in Jacksonville Beach, FL. She was a member of St. David’s Episcopal church from 1967-1991. She moved her membership to All Saints in 1991 and faithfully served as a member of the Altar Guild and volunteered as needed for the church. After the passing of her beloved husband, Dane due to Alzheimer’s, she began volunteering with Good Shepherd Hospice at Lakeland Hospice House; stating “I want to give back” and “I’ve walked in those families shoes.”

Jo Lee loved the Florida beaches and vacationed there often with her family. She also enjoyed the Carolina mountains, especially in the fall when the leaves were changing. She was an avid reader.

Jo Lee truly loved her church, her family and her friends. She and her family want to convey a special “thanks” to Harriet, Lisa and Maria and all the staff from Grand Living at Tamaya and also Haven Hospice of Jacksonville, FL.

Jo Lee was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Dane and her daughter, Amy Lynne Hennessey. She is survived by her son, A.Dane Sawyer III (Pamela); brother-in-law Thomas Sawyer (Duncan)and nephew Alex. She has three grandchildren, Neland Sawyer(Whitney), Abbey Sawyer(Alexis) and Maggie Hennessey. She also has four great-grandchildren; Amy, Olivia, Amelia and Jeremy.

With gratitude, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Haven Hospice 9143 Philips Hwy Jacksonville, FL 32256 ; Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60601; All Saints’ Episcopal Church Building Fund, 209 South Iowa Ave., Lakeland, FL 33801.

A memorial service will be held, Saturday, August 3, 2024 at 11 am at All Saints Episcopal Church.