52 Ancestors: Carlie Leon Sawyer (#1)

Post #1 in my goal to participate in 52 Ancestors this year. I'm not sure yet if I'll follow the themes. I hope to discover more about this branch of my family this year.

My Great Grandfather: Carlie Leon Sawyer

Carlie Leon Sawyer was born on March 13, 1887 in Coffee County, Alabama, the son of Carter Sawyer [1849-1913] and Lucy McLean [1856-1920]. On September 22, 1912 in Coffee County he married Maude Amanda Crumpler, the daughter of Jefferson Davis Crumpler [1861-1939] and Josephine Ilena Crumpler [1869-1940]. 

To this union were born the following children: David Glenn [1913-1939], Pauline Inez, Agnes Lizelle [1919-1976, married to Daniel Union Stafford, [my grandparents], Lillian Lucille, Raymond C. L. [1927-1980] and Hazel Jeanette. 

Carlie and Maude moved to Holmes County, Florida in the late 1930’s. Carlie passed away in Holmes County on March 13, 1947 and Maude passed away on November 20, 1950 in Okaloosa County, Florida. They are buried at Wesley Chapel Cemetery in Coffee County, Alabama.

Maude & Carlie ~ Wedding Day

Dear Teresa

This week is the 8th anniversary of my sister, Teresa's, death. While prepping for the Genealogy Do-Over project, cleaning my files, I came across this document. I don't remember trying to put my grief to words, but I'm glad I did.

Dear Teresa:

It has been 4 months since you left us. My grief has not faded. Your headstone contains the date of your birth and the date of your death. Those dates are separated by a “dash”. You, however, are not defined by those dates, but the life lived …between the dash. As children we were friends and shared much laughter. Other times you were a bratty little sister and tattletale. I recall the times you skipped school and I signed the notes to keep you out of trouble. As adults our lives took different paths and we didn’t agree on much. Still, I hope you know – I need you to know, that I love you, regardless of our different choices in life.

For your children…may they never look further than their heart to find you.

For the times I judged you…May God forgive me and I ask for your forgiveness.

You gave me a gift many years ago that says “Sisters are Forever”. Yes, we will be and I am saddened that I will grow old without you.

One of my favorite photos from our childhood

More posts with or about Teresa.