Miss Mary Lou Sawyer died Thursday morning. —-Miss Mary Lou Sawyer, prominent pioneer business woman of this city , died Thursday at 9;45 o’clock at her home, 500 west main st. , after a lingering illness. Born in South Mills, Miss Sawyer was the daughter of the late Miniard J. Sawyer and Margaret K. Sawyer. She moved here in December, 1890. A former school teacher, Miss Sawyer later worked in several departments stores in the city, first at Mitchell’s dry goods store, Chesson’s and then Rucker and Sheely, where she remained active until retiring about ten years ago. Miss Sawyer was said to have sold the first yard of goods at Rucker and Sheelys. She was a member of the First Baptist Church. Four sisters, Miss Effie J. Sawyer of this city, Mrs. James Mercer Davis of Mt. Holly, New Jeresey, Mrs. G. J. Kirchheimer of Norfolk, and Mrs..D. Ray Karmer of this city; one brother , Dr. Blackwell Sawyer of Toms River, New Jersey; Three Nieces and seven Nephews, survive. Funeral services for Miss Sawyer will be conducted Saturday afternoon at 2;30 o’clock at the home, 500 west main st. with the Rev. E, H. Potts, pastor of the First Baptist church, Officiating. The Rucker and Sheely co. of which Miss Sawyer was a Member for 26 years, will be closed during the funeral. Interment will follow in Hollywood Cemetery.
(No Dates Given)
Contributed by: Linda Mansfield
