Pastor Staci D. Sawyer

Pastor Staci D. Sawyer, founder and pastor of New Life Ministries, transitioned to be with the Lord on Wednesday, January 26, 2023 at JFK Hospital. She was born in New Brunswick, NJ and grew up in Highland Park, NJ. She later resided in Edison, NJ. for 32 years.

Before being called to start New Life Ministries, C.O.C.W.I.H in 2009, she was a faithful member of Gethsemane Temple, C.O.C.W.I.H since 1989 where she served as an usher, appointment manager and a Sunday school teacher to the youth. She was also the youth department president, sunshine band director, adult choir director, assistant teacher for adult Sunday school, pastor's aide president, church evangelist and church janitor; and a member of the ministerial staff.

She received her license as an Evangelist in 2001 and was ordained as an Elder in 2005. She was called by God to the pastorate in 2007. She began walking in the call in 2009; all glory belongs to God. Pastor Sawyer was a Certified Computer Operator (IBC) and earned her B.A. in 2013 in Christian Counseling at Liberty University. She was an instructor of the National Education Department, a member of the National Women's Department, New Jersey Diocese Mother, and the District Missionary of NJ Northern District for the Church of Christ Written in Heaven.

Pastor Sawyer had a passion and an excitement for serving and praising the Lord Jesus Christ. Her prayers and endeavors were to fulfill God's mission as well as to train and mentor individuals and families; that they may know, understand, and live God's original purpose. She served the Lord without reservation, and prayed for souls to be saved (born again) so that they may enjoy the freedom found in Christ; and will in every way, be made whole. She was delivered from a 12 year eating disorder and had a passion for encouraging families.

Her love for the ministry, family, and friends, kept her determined and motivated. She enjoyed reading, crocheting, spending time with her family, spoiling her grandchildren, smiling, and most of all serving God and His people. One of her favorite scriptures of many was:

"The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple…Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer" (Psalm 19:7-14).

She's predeceased by her father Calvin Rohan and her step-father Rudolph Marrow.

Surviving is her beloved husband Elder Arthur Sawyer; her loving daughter Kimisha Abram (Ellis) of Somerset and loving son Elder Arthur V. Sawyer (Ciara) of Piscataway; and her mother Huldah Rohan of Highland Park. She is the proud grandmother of five; 1 grandson, Alix Rivers (16) and 4 granddaughters, Anyah Rivers (13), Kristah Sawyer (4), Aylah Sawyer (2); with one granddaughter on the way, due to arrive April 2023.

Also surviving are her siblings; Raymond Rohan of Highland Park, Calvin Rohan (Regina) of Smyrna Georgia, Mark Rohan (Olivia) of Perth Amboy, Cheryl Gillison of Newark Delaware, Kimberlyn Bodie of Middletown Delaware, Kisha Adkins (Alex) of Piscataway, and Rudolph Rohan (Tasha) of South Bound Brook; her goddaughters Najah Thomas and Melirah Searcy and her godson Tymel Searcy; her mother-in-law Corine Sawyer, brothers-in-law Craig and Albert Sawyer and their families; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Friends and relatives may call on Thursday, February 2nd, from 6:00 – 9:00 pm at Gethsemane Temple, 1405 South 2nd St., Plainfield. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, February 3rd, 10:00 am, at New Holy Cross Church of Christ, 500 E. State St., Trenton. Burial will follow at Franklin Memorial Park in North Brunswick.

Arrangements are by The Crabiel Home for Funerals, 170 N Main St.-at Riva Avenue, Milltown, NJ 08850. Please send flowers to New Holy Cross C.O.C.W.I.H., 500 East State St., Trenton, NJ 08609 for the service on Friday. You may sign the online condolence "guest book" at www.crabiel.com