Joanne (Ames) Sawyer

Joanne Ames Sawyer, 71, of Shallotte, NC formerly of Durham, NC passed away on Friday, May 17, 2024 at home surrounded by the love of her family after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Joanne was born January 25, 1953, to Richard and Norma Ames in Johnson City, NY. The family moved to Durham, NC the year she started the 8th grade at Jordan High School, where she graduated in 1971. She attended Louisburg College and transferred to Appalachian State University where she graduated in 1975. Joanne was a home economics education major and initially worked as a nutrition advisor in Sparta, NC and later taught school in Durham, NC until her first child was born. She then lovingly became a stay at home mom.

Upon her husbands retirement in 2018, they were able to fulfill their dream of living near the ocean and felt blessed to enjoy their remaining years together living in paradise on the Shallotte River. During that time, some of Joanne's favorite activities were walks on the beach with their dog, Jessie, boat rides on the inland waterway, watching the grandchildren play in the hot tub, or simply enjoying water view from their deck.

Joanne is survived by her high school sweetheart and husband of 52 years, Price Yarver Sawyer, Jr., (P.Y.); two children, Jennifer Sawyer Cartwright and David Ryan Sawyer; six grandchildren, Tanner & Brody Cartwright, Isaac, Airlie, Ruby and Maggie Sawyer; two sisters, Bonnie Silvanic and Peggy Johnson. Joanne's life was filled with the love of her family as well as her many dogs and cats which brought much joy throughout her life. 

Although Alzheimer's is a debilitating disease, Joanne still had a twinkle in her eye when she heard a familiar song, laughed at a shared joke, and a smile would appear when a loved one entered the room - these moments are precious reminders of the person she was. Our family is comforted that Joanne once again knows who she is and the people that love her.

Memorial contributions in Joanne's name can be made to the Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Foundation, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401 or online at www.lifecare.org/donate. 

Instead of a traditional funeral, a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Online condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.fulwoodfuneralservice.com