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Submitted: 10/31/21 • Approved: 1/31/23 • Last Updated: 2/3/23 • R1399210-G1399210-S3
Shelby Gene
US Army
August 28, 1936 - October 15, 2021
Betty
Mar 24, 1933 - July 9, 2018
*Obituary
Shelby Gene Sawrie, 85, of Conway, Arkansas shed his earthly robe for his heavenly one on Friday, October 15th. He was born in Greenbrier, Arkansas to the late Lewis and Mary (Kirkpatrick) Sawrie. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty (Bowie) Sawrie, and two brothers, James Sawrie and Sidney Sawrie.
Shelby was a member of the Greenbrier Nazarene Church and a life-long member of the Faulkner County Singing Club, where he served in various officer positions, including president. He also sang in the Sawrie Family Quartet for over 30 years. He graduated from Greenbrier High School in 1955, and remained close friends with his classmates. He also served in the Army and was very proud to have served his country. Shelby worked for nearly 40 years as a security guard at Kimberly Clark and Newcor. He always had a positive attitude and his smile was contagious.
Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Shellie O'Quinn, son-in-law, Devo O'Quinn, numerous nieces and nephews that he loved dearly, a host of ''grandkids'' from around the world who called him ''Grandpa'' as well as many friends that he considered family. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to his doctors, nurses, therapists and caregivers who treated him with such great care and respect.
A graveside service will be held at Thorn Cemetery in Greenbrier on Monday, October 18th at 11:00 am, with Bro. Ron Byrd officiating. Shelby's classmate and friend, Jerry Carter, will present the obituary. Pallbearers will be Elyahb ''Allie'' Kwizera, Robert Habimana, Edouard Niyonsaba, Praven Moorthy, Jean Paul Ngabonziza, and Romeo Botanpi. Honorary pallbearers will be Habib Njie, Sheikh Faal, and Gerard Bambi.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his honor to Thorn Cemetery at PO Box 663 Greenbrier, AR 72058 or Faulkner County Senior Citizens Endowment using the link on the side.
*Obituary
Betty (Bowie) Sawrie, 85 of Greenbrier, Arkansas, shed her earthly robe for her heavenly one on Monday, July 9, 2018. She was born March 24, 1933, in Centerville, Arkansas to the late Barnaby Leon "Bonnie" and Jewell Lillie (Tucker) Bowie. She was preceded in death by her three sisters: Patricia Diane Bowie, Deloris Hardin and Bonnie Younger; three brothers: (David) Elroy Bowie, Gerald Faxton Bowie and Daniel Jettson "Jett" Bowie.
Betty was a member of the Greenbrier Nazarene Church and devoted her life to serving others through cooking, sewing and encouraging words. She was a writer, painter, musician and creative seamstress. Betty had 35 songs published with five different publishing companies and played piano for the Sawrie Family Quartet for nearly 20 years. Betty worked for over ten years at Baldwin Piano Company, but her final career was as a seamstress. She loved others deeply and that love was returned by her many friends and family. Her pies and rolls will be missed by many, along with her smile and generous spirit. She was a talented lady with many gifts and she shared her love with everyone she met.
Left to cherish her memory and carry on her legacy is her loving husband of 58 years, Shelby Gene Sawrie, daughter Shellie (Devo) O'Quinn, brother, Billy Leon (Dorothy) Bowie, numerous nieces and nephews that she loved dearly, and a host of young people from around the world who called her "Grandma."
Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 on Wednesday, July 10, 2018, at the Greenbrier Nazarene Church. Memorial services will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, July 11, 2018 at the Greenbrier Nazarene Church with interment to follow at Thorn Cemetery in Greenbrier.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to the wonderful nurses and doctors and staff with Hospice Home Care, Baptist Medical Center, Conway Regional Medical Center, and the UAMS Cancer Institute.
Contributed on 10/31/21 by hawkinsdonna48
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Record #: 1399210