Cynthia Jane Sawyer

Mrs. Cynthia Jane Haithcock Sawyer, age 85, passed peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday afternoon, January 28, 2026. She was a gentle and faithful woman whose life was defined by quiet service, devotion to her family, and kindness toward others.

Cynthia was born July 1940, in Clarksville, Tennessee, to Roy W. and Doris Haithcock. She grew up on Hickory Grove Drive surrounded by close friends and fond memories. After graduating from Clarksville High School and completing her first year at Austin Peay State College, she married her longtime sweetheart, Richard Sawyer.

Early in their marriage, Cynthia and Richard moved several times as he pursued his masonry career. Their first daughter, Jeanette, was born in Houston, and their second daughter, Melissa, in Atlanta. The family eventually settled in Houston, where Cynthia lovingly made a home and where they lived until Richard’s passing in 2023.

Cynthia showed her love for her family through countless acts of love and service. She was a wonderful Southern cook and a gifted seamstress. Many late evenings were spent at her Singer sewing machine creating Easter dresses, dance costumes, and formal gowns for her daughters.
A lifelong Girl Scout, Cynthia later served as troop leader for her daughters’ troops. Known for her red bandana, blue work shirt, and ever-ready whistle, she organized and led countless camping trips and outdoor adventures. She became a Red Cross Water Safety Instructor teaching swim lessons and later earned certifications in canoeing and sailing to broaden the experiences she offered her scouts.

Her heart for service extended well beyond scouting. Cynthia was active in the Sub Debs, PTA, Bridge Club, Methodist Women’s Circles, Sunday School, and the Society of St. Stephen, where she formed many treasured friendships throughout the years.

After nearly twenty years as a devoted stay-at-home mother, Cynthia began working as an attendance clerk at Deady Junior High. When school records became computerized, she quickly mastered the new technology and began assisting other clerks. Her talents eventually led her to positions at HISD and Region 4 as Data Specialist, where she learned each new software system, developed training materials, and trained users throughout the region.

Cynthia is survived by her daughters, Jeanette Sawyer Forman (Steve) and Melissa Sawyer Herman; her grandchildren Jeana Forman Gering (Daniel), Allison Forman Stoos (Chris), Nicholas Herman (Alyssa), Cynthia Ann Forman Tucker (Adam), and Sawyer Herman; and her great-grandchildren Ruth Jolene Stoos, Janelle Beth Gering, Levi Richard Stoos, Reagin Hannah Stoos, Sawyer Storm Herman, Noah James Tucker, and Sylvie Linnet Gering. She is also remembered by many nieces, nephews, cherished lifelong friends, and her dear church family.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers and staff of Fountainwood at Lake Houston, and Silver Sage Memory Care and Acara Hospice in Brenham, Texas.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, April 18 at 2:00 p.m. at Greenwood Cemetery in Clarksville, Tennessee.

In lieu of flowers, Cynthia would surely smile if you chose instead to purchase Girl Scout cookies… every year.

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, TX 77833. 979.836.3611 Condolences may be shared at www.BrenhamMemorialChapel.com.