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1936
2017
Addie Sawyer VanderMel passed away November 26, 2017 in her home with family by her side. Born in Princess Anne County on April 18, 1936, she was 81.
She was preceded in death by her husband David VanderMel and by her parents, Everett and Mary Sawyer. She is survived by her four loving daughters Virginia Pauley (D.J.), Susan Godwin (Lynn), Joyce Wassum (Wes), and Amy Shepard (Steven); three sisters, Joyce Rawls, Mary Easter (Elgia), and Grace Woody (David); one brother, Bill Sawyer (Phyllis). In addition, she is also survived by seven grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Addie was a very loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister and sister-in-law. Each of her family held a very special place in her heart and in her life.
She was a life-long member of St. John's Baptist Church and was very active in its many organizations and activities. After a long career, she retired from the City of Virginia Beach Department of Agriculture.
A celebration of Mrs. Addie VanderMel's life will be held on Wednesday, November 29 at 11a.m. at St. John's Baptist church followed by a reception in the church social hall. A graveside service will follow at Rosewood Memorial Park at 1:30 p.m. A gathering of friends and family will be held on Tuesday evening, November 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Smith and Williams Funeral Home, Kempsville Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. John's Baptist Church Building Fund, 2300 Holland Road, Va. Beach, Va. 23453 or to the Hospice and Palliative Care of Tidewater at www.hpctidewater.com.
The family would like to extend a very special thank you to Dr. Michael Ryan and staff, and also to a very special care giver, Catha Cuffee for the care and compassion that each has shown to Addie and the family.
Friends may offer condolences at www. smithandwilliamskempsville.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Smith & Williams Funeral Home/Kempsville.
December 25, 2017
Virginia,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this Christmas season.
Carolyn T. (Kellam)
November 28, 2017
Irene Read
Addie will be missed. To her family may God surround you in his loving arms and give you a peace beyond understanding that she is with Him in a glorious place. Love to all of you.
November 28, 2017
Carla Goetz
I worked with Addie at the Ag Department. She was such a sweet lady and always very kind to me. I am so sorry for your loss. Keep your happy memories of her close at hand to help sustain you through the sad times.
November 28, 2017
Blendell Brush
We will miss Addie & her kindness. She was a great lady & know that she is not suffering. Our prayers are for the family
November 28, 2017
Sandy Arrington
Addie was one of the nicest, sweetest ladies I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. My sympathies go out to all of her family. She will be missed by all.
November 28, 2017
Frank McKenna
Sisters-
Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers at this time. The love of a family is the biggest comfort for all. Be the strength and support for each other and cherish the lifetime of happy memories. The love of a happy extended family is unparalleled and a true gift from God. God Bless All of You!
November 28, 2017
Shane Faircloth
Love and Prayers to the VanderMel/Sawyer family, will definitely miss my hugs when I visit St. John's, but looking forward to a wonderful reunion one day. Praying for my friends Tim, Amy and Joyce.
November 28, 2017
Eleanor Knight
So very sorry to lose my friend of 60 years.You will be missed by all that knew and loved you.
Someday we will meet again, without pain or
other health problems.
You were such a lovely lady.
November 27, 2017
Missy Carroll
Virginia, Sue, Joyce and Amy,
Please accept our heartfelt sympathy for your loss. May God help you in this difficult time. Our prayers are always with you all.
Love, The Carroll's
Avery, Missy, Zachary, Jacob
November 27, 2017
Cathy Parks
So sorry for your loss. My prayers are with all your families and friends. May God bless you in this time of sorrow.
November 27, 2017
I am extending my condolences to the family and friends of. May the entire family find peace in knowing that God cares for you and your family and will help you during these difficult times. 1 Peter 5:6,7*
November 27, 2017
Jennifer Spangler
Condolences to Mrs. VanderMel's family. Addie has done a wonderful job raising you ladies and has left this world leaving a beautiful gift to it... the family she raised. She has brought her family up as she herself was taught. What a wonderful legacy of God's peace and love for us all to continue to strive for and add to as we also continue in our growth of knowing the Lord. Prayers for you all to have peace that surpasses all understanding. In God's Love ~
November 27, 2017
Joanna Robinson
Addie was a sweet sweet soul. She might have been a little lady but she had an enormous heart and will be greatly missed.
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Nov
28
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Smith & Williams Funeral Home/Kempsville4889 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23462
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Smith & Williams Funeral Home/Kempsville4889 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23462
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