Carlene Sawyer Mays

Published 12:49 am Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Carlene Sawyer Mays, age 89, of Windover Drive, Forest City, died Friday, March 18, 2011, at Fairhaven Home, Bostic. She was born Jan. 11, 1922, in Weaverville, N.C., and was a daughter of the late Carl and Mallie Edwards Sawyer. Carlene graduated from Weaverville High School as Valedictorian in 1938. She received her AA Degree from Lees-McRae College in 1940 followed by an internship in 1941. From 1960-1966, she worked with Duke University Medical Center in cancer research and retired in 1987 from Rutherford-Polk Mental Health Center where she was Medical Records Manager. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Forest City where she served as Elder, a Choir member, and Ladies Auxiliary. Her passions were her church, bridge club and dance clubs as well as volunteering and travel. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Chan H. Sawyer, and sisters, Lillian Virginia Sawyer, Blanche A. Sawyer, and Martha Lee Sawyer.

Survivors include her husband of 66 years, Gilbert C. Mays of the home, two sons, David Carl Mays and his wife, Teresa Mays, of Washington, N.C., Kenneth Lee Mays and friend, Joyce Butler, of Kissimmee, Fla., and a daughter, Katherine Mays Meyer of South Africa, brother Julian Dane Sawyer and sister, Lois Sawyer Rice. There are also two grandchildren, Aaron David Mays of Warner Robbins, Ga., and Tyler Mays Johnson of Raleigh, N.C.

A memorial service will be held at eleven o’clock Saturday, March 26, 2011 in the First Presbyterian Church of Forest City with Reverend Becky Stanley officiating. Visitation will follow the service in the Ladies’ Parlor of the church. Memorials may be given to First Presbyterian Church, 438 W. Main St., Forest City, NC 28043, Forest ╩City Kiwanis Club, c/o Karen Clark, 108 Plaza Drive Ext., Forest City, NC 28043 or Hospice of Rutherford County, P.O. Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043. The Padgett and King Mortuary is in charge of arrangements and an online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com.

Paid Obituary