Lydia Sawyer Connett

Lydia Sawyer Connett, 91, passed away Friday, April 18, 2025, peacefully, with her family at her side. She had been in declining health for several months.

Lydia was born in Alliance, North Carolina to the late Benjamin Taylor Sawyer and the late Myrtie Hunnings Sawyer. Lydia was a graduate of Pamlico County High School after which she was employed by S.H. Kress and Company in New Bern, N.C. until she married. She was a devoted wife and mother. She loved gardening, crossword puzzles, and traveling. She was the happiest when spending time with her family.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, M.Sgt. James J Connett.

She is survived by her children Taffy and Darrell Graham of Concord, NC, Candy and Wayne Bamberger of Jacksonville, FL, and Joy Connett of Kannapolis, NC, and her sister Marguerite Sawyer of Alliance, NC. She leaves behind grandchildren Tyler and Taylor Graham, Natalie Brooke Graham, and Taylor Denise Graham.

Lydia was also preceded in death by her brothers, Benjamin Franklin Sawyer and William Bryan Sawyer, both of Alliance, NC, her sisters Mildred Sawyer Phillips of Dover, NC and Clara Jean Sawyer of Alliance NC, and her granddaughter Courtney Bree Graham.

A graveside service will be held at Arlington National Cemetery later this month. There will be no visitation. 

The family requests that any memorials be made to Alzheimer ‘s association (act.alz.org) or Wounded Warrior Project (support.woundedwarriorproject.org).

Hartsell of Concord is serving the Connett family.