Nancy Elizabeth Sawyer

On November 17, 2022, Nancy Edenfield Sawyer, passed away peacefully after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s/dementia.

Nancy was born at Lakeland General Hospital on August 1, 1935, and she was a life-long resident of Lakeland.

Nancy graduated from Lakeland High School in 1953. Following high school, Nancy attended Wesleyan College in Macon Georgia. Nancy returned to Lakeland to complete her education at Florida Southern College. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in education and went on to teach for many years with the Polk County Public Schools.

Nancy taught elementary education at several Lakeland schools, including Southwest Elementary, Dixieland Elementary, Medulla Elementary and Sykes Elementary. Her passion for teaching touched the lives of thousands of students, and she was often approached by former students to thank her for her contributions to their lives.

Outside of work, Nancy donated her time to the March of Dimes, The Polk Museum of Art and the Junior League of Greater Lakeland. In her spare time, Nancy loved to cook, travel and spend time with her friends and family.

Nancy is preceded in death by her husband, Harry M. Sawyer, Jr., her parents, Elwood and Betty Edenfield, her sister, Linda Innes and her daughter Melanie Harden. She is survived by her sons, Trey Harden, (Terri), Pete Sawyer, (Carol), John Sawyer, (Kim), Gary Sawyer, (Beth), 10 grandchildren and 5 great- grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, December 5, 2022 at 1:00 p.m., at First United Methodist Church on Lake Morton in Lakeland, FL.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Coins for Alzheimer’s Research Trust.