Jackie Cooper Sawyer

Jackie Cooper Sawyer, 74, of Reelsboro, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at CarolinaEast medical center on Saturday, October 31,2026 surrounded by his loving family, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on July 6,1952, in Alliance, North Carolina, he was the son of the late Daniel and Goldie Sawyer.

A lifelong member of the Reelsboro community, he spent 25 years working at Pinedale Food Mart. Throughout those years, he became a familiar face to generations of coworkers and customers and developed many lasting friendships within the community.

Jackie also dedicated 15 years of his life to serving the City of New Bern in Public Works before retiring. He took tremendous pride in his work and always gave it his very best, working hard to help keep the city looking beautiful. He didn’t just show up to do a job; he put his heart into it. His dedication and hard work were a reflection of the kind of man he was.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Goldie Sawyer; four brothers, Randolph Mitchell, Johnnie Mitchell, Thomas Sawyer, and William Sawyer; two animal companions, Bubba and Peanut; dear friend, Carlton Lamb; and great fur niece, sweetpea.

He was a devoted brother, uncle, great uncle, and great great uncle who treasured his family and the time spent with those he loved. His dedication to his family and community will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.

He is survived by his brother, Monnie (Dewitt) Sawyer and wife Annabelle of Reelsboro; two sisters, Goldie Wells of New Bern and Trisha Dail of D’ilverville Mississippi. He is also survived by his nephew, Michael Sawyer and wife Amanda; and niece Tammie Cowell and husband Matthew. He shared a special bond with Michael and Tammie, one that was more like that of a brother and sister, as they held an important and cherished place in life. He also leaves behind several other nephews, nieces, great nieces and nephews, and great great nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends and family from 10:00am -11:00am on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2026, at Daniel’s Sadler Funeral Home in Alliance, service will follow at 11:00am with burial immediately after at Sand Hill Cemetery. The family will receive visitors at other times at the home of Dewitt and Annabelle.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to the CarolinaEast Foundation, 2007 Neuse Blvd B, New Bern, NC, 28560.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at CarolinaEast Medical Center on 3IMC and 4100 for the exceptional care. A special thank you to Scott, Nicole, Chelsea, and Lauren on 3IMC; Dale, Katie, Kelli, and McKenzie on 4100. Your dedication, support, and compassion made a lasting impact on our family, and we are truly grateful for the care you provided. Your kindness will never be forgotten.