Johanna K. Sawyers

Johanna Kathrina Sawyers, better known as Nana to hundreds, age 96, of Auburn, IN, passed away on Thursday, February 18, 2021 at Auburn Village and Rehabilitation. Ms. Sawyers was born in Huntington, WV, on October 21, 1924, the daughter of Elonzo and Roxy Elizabeth Chapman Sawyers. She was the youngest of 10 children. Ms. Sawyers graduated from Chesapeake High School in Chesapeake, Ohio, in 1943. She attended Bowling Green University and worked at the old Sylvainia Plant in Huntington, WV, during WWII, making bomb parts. Her entire career was with Silvers/H.L. Green/McCrory Corp./Rapid American Corp for over 40 years holding a variety of positions before retiring as a buyer/store recovery-specialist for the corporation in 1991. She traveled the world with the company and on her own. Her favorite places to visit were the Holy Lands and “walking the paths that Jesus walked”. She was a long time active member of the Auburn Church of Christ in Auburn, IN. She was a devout Christian who loved to serve others and care for the needs of children. Survivors include her daughter, Dr. Sheila K.A. Merriman of Hawaii and Tennessee; grandchildren, E. Elizabeth K. Saunders of Nevada, Eric Allen Milliner of Virginia, and Timothy Lee Hamick of Tennessee; five great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. MS. Sawyers is preceded in death by her ex-husband and life-long friend, Paul E. Bush; grandsons, William Jacob V. Milliner and Karlton V. Milliner; and her nine siblings. There will be no funeral at this time. A Celebration of Life is being planned for sometime after the pandemic. Memorial contributions may be made to the Woodburn Christian Children’s Home, 24902 Notestine Rd., Woodburn, IN 46797 or Cammack Childrens Center 64 6th West Avenue, Huntington, WV. 25701.

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