Erminia 'Minnie' Sawyers

Erminia "Minnie" Sawyers, age 80 of Washington D.C. and formerly of Corbin, passed away on Tuesday, April 4, 2006 in Washington D.C. at her home with her son Tullio.
She was born on April 9, 1925 in Rome, Italy to the late Tullio Marcotulli and Laura Cecca Marcotulli.
She was a private secretary during World War II for Benito Mussolini. While working in that capacity, she was also active in the Italian Resistance. Her work in the Resisitance was highlighted by hiding three young Jewish boys for 3 years and 1 day. All three boys are still living in France today. It was during the time of the Italian Liberation that she met her future husband, John Sawyers, who was serving in the United States Armed Forces.
Erminia was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Corbin.
In addition to her Parents, she was preceded in death by her husband John Sawyers in 1974; One infant Child, Torquato Sawyers; and Three Brothers, Marino, Torquato, and Francesco Marcotulli.
She is survived by her Children; Rita Sawyers Goodman of Jacksonville, FL, Laura Roark of Ames, Iowa, John Sawyers Jr. of Hawaii, Ira Sawyers of Ames, Iowa, Robert Sawyers of Florence, KY, and Tullio Sawyers of Washington D.C. with whom she resided; Grandchildren, Jessee and Ashley Goodman, Eric, Adam, and Valerie Roark, Robert Sawyers, Jr. and Andrea Sawyers; one Great Grandchild, Zoey Goodman. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, family and Friends both here in the United States and in Italy who will mourn her passing. "We Love You Momma Roma"
Funeral liturgy with Mass will be Celebrated on Tuesday at 11am at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Burial will follow in the Pine Hill Cemetery in Corbin in the Italian Tradition.
Visitation will be on Monday from 6-9pm at the Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home, with Rosary Devotions recited at 7:30pm.
Messages of condolence may be written to the family by logging on to vankirkgrisellfuneralhome.com