Johnnie Mae Sawyer, 83, of Mechanicsville, MD, passed away on February 27, 2012 at her residence. She was born to John F. Sawyer and Mary Pearl (Warrington) Sawyer on January 27, 1929 in Plymouth, North Carolina.

She was predeceased by her parents, her brother, Earl Sawyer; and her sister, Mary Ellen (Sawyer) Middlebrook.

Johnnie is survived by her dear friend Sandy Farrands, her niece Mary Sue (Middlebrook) Leeper and her two nephews, Edgar and John Middlebrook.

She graduated from high school in NC, received a BA from the University of Maryland and earned a Master's Degree from Central Michigan University.

Johnnie served in the military from January 1951 until August 1975. She retired from the Air Force, as Senior Master Sergeant (E-8)... Johnnie's highest military decorations include the: MSM; AFLSA; AFGCM; and AFCM. She was stationed in Germany, England and several air force bases throughout the US. In 1951 she paraded for both President Truman and Queen Wilhelmina of Holland.

Johnnie was an avid golfer and would shine at charity golf tournaments. She was noted for her work at her church in Laurel Grove, Mt. Zion United Methodist. She sang in the choir for many years, served on the Cemetery Committee and coordinated arrangements for funeral services, but her real passion was helping those in the community who were less fortunate. She was a driving force in the Mt. Zion Hungry Team, which in concert with other churches provides a food pantry. She was constantly involved in raising funds for the Hungry Team and soliciting the assistance of others to work with the Hungry Team, and few when approached could turn her down. In many respects it can be accurately stated that she was the Hungry Team and she often provided assistance other than food to those in need, often with her own funds.

The family will receive friends for a Life Celebration on Thursday, March 1, 2012 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Brinsfield-Echols Funeral Home, P.A., 30195 Three Notch Road, Charlotte Hall, Maryland. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 2, 2012, at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, 21708 Mt. Zion Church Road, Mechanicsville, Maryland 20659. Interment will follow in the Mt. Zion Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to: The Mt. Zion Hungry Team, 21708 Mt. Zion Church Road, Mechanicsville, Maryland 20659, or Hospice of St. Mary's County, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, Maryland 20650.

Arrangements provided by Brinsfield-Echols Funeral Home, P.A.