Pastor Lloyd Sawyer
Alpha: March 23, 1943 to Omega: Feb. 6, 2022
Lloyd Alfonza Sawyer was born March 23, 1943, in Roper, to Elder Johnnie and Mother Martha (Puckett) Sawyer. Lloyd was the 11th of 12 children.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers and sisters, Johnnie Ben Sawyer, Samuel Sawyer, Claude Sawyer, Geneva Sawyer, Matilda Jones, Devora Cox, Viola White, Blennie Blount, Linda Faye Sawyer and Laura Price.
Lloyd married the former Martha R. Hathaway, a native of Edenton, on Nov. 19, 1967. To this union, four daughters were born. Elder and Mrs. Sawyer trusted in the Lord to provide for them, and knew that any success in the family was due to the goodness of the Lord.
Lloyd was saved at an early age. In 1961, he heard God’s voice and began preaching in the Church of God in Christ. Early in his pastoral career, the Lord gave him this promise: “My son, preach My Gospel, by and under the anointing and power of the Holy Ghost, and I will bless you.” For this reason, Elder Sawyer made the focus of his ministry preaching and teaching the unadulterated Word of God.
Pastor Sawyer earned a BA in History and Social Science from North Carolina Central University. Shortly thereafter, he completed graduate work in History and Sociology. He was one of a pioneer class of Afro-Americans to attend and graduate from Duke University’s School of Divinity with a Master of Divinity. He did further work at various institutions of higher learning, including USC-Columbia, Winthrop College, and the Lutheran Seminary, Columbia, South Carolina.
Elder Sawyer served churches in various denominations (CME, Baptist, United Methodist & COGIC), however, he began pastoring in 1966 at Edenton Church of God in Christ. Elder Sawyer has served the COGIC in various capacities, including dean of Seminar in COGIC, district superintendent of the Asheville District, second administrative assistant to Bishop J.H. Sherman and COGIC Academy instructor.
Elder Sawyer founded the church currently known as Plain Truth Ministries (Rockingham) in 1973. In 1987, Elder Sawyer and his family permanently relocated to Rockingham, and in 1988, Plain Truth Ministries, Camden, South Carolina, was founded. For the next 34 years, Elder Sawyer pastored faithfully with the church families in both Rockingham and Camden, South Carolina. Elder Sawyer was committed to his call and charged by God. He always studied, prayed diligently, and searched the Scriptures to know God’s truth so that he could effectively lead others to Christ.
In addition to his long career in ministry, Elder Sawyer also served as the assistant principal and acting principal at Pageland High School, Chesterfield County, South Carolina. Moreover, he was also a juvenile evaluation counselor and a classroom teacher in North Carolina. He completed further studies in Educational Administration at the University of South Carolina.
His love for people and for community service was reflected in many ways throughout his life. He also served as the assistant secretary of the Kershaw County Evangelical Ministerial Association. Elder Sawyer served as vice president of the Camden Ministerial Association. Elder Lloyd Sawyer was also multi-talented with many graces and talents including the culinary arts, gardening, music, mechanics, and natural herbs.
Pastor Sawyer leaves to cherish his memories, his wife of 54 years, Martha H. Sawyer of the home; four children, Dr. Felicia I. Sawyer of Florence, South Carolina, Yolanda Almeta Sawyer of the home, Stacia A. Sawyer of the home, Jessica Sawyer Horne (Eric) of Ellerbe; one sister, Christie Newkirk (Robert); two step-grandsons, Makel Horne of Mount Gilead and Tobias Horne of Mount Gilead; the Plain Truth Ministries church families; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, friends and associates.
