Jamie Lee Sawyers

Jamie Lee Sawyers
September 24, 1974 – June 22, 2026

Jamie was born in Bakersfield, California but was raised and spent most of her life in Washington.

Jamie almost emerged from the womb singing. Music was a part of Jamie’s life from birth. She knew the words to many songs as a toddler and could be heard singing wherever she went. She sang softly when playing make-believe with her dolls, riding in the car, or lying in bed at night before sleep. Throughout her life, Jamie’s love for music never dimmed. She had a strong personality and wasn’t afraid to give voice to her opinions, even when unpopular. If Jamie believed in something she advocated for it all the way. She could be quite stubborn when it suited her. In her early years she developed an inherent sense of right and wrong and was adamant that others obey the rules having no qualms about tattling on those she felt were in the wrong, mostly her brother and his friends and, being boys, they did all they could to increase her annoyance. Jamie never lost her moral compass although she did eventually learn with age to tattle less. Jamie had an unmatched zest for life that remained with her until the end.

Jamie attended Bartending School and spent many years as a bartender at various restaurants in the Gig Harbor and Tacoma areas. Jamie was quite popular at the places she worked, always willing to lend a compassionate ear to those who needed one. Although she found satisfaction in bartending and was able to support her daughters, Jamie’s dream had always been to be a nurse. However, life and then illness sidetracked that dream.

Although she became mostly housebound over the years, Jamie continued interacting with others as much as possible. One of the activities she found extremely helpful was visiting the casino, as while she was there she wasn’t “sick Jamie.” She had a wonderful sense of humor and loved laughing with friends and family whether in person, on the phone, or face-timing. When she found cute, funny, or sometimes sarcastic memes on the internet she sent them to friends so they could laugh over them together. She also often shared music videos she especially liked. Anything that took her interest she wanted to study further and learn more about such as nature and animals such as apes, monkeys, and baby goats which she found fascinating. One of her primary interests was teaching herself to speak and write Spanish. She became quite fluent over years of practice. Jamie was also very imaginative. She loved creating things and spent many hours learning and engaging in crafting projects. She found this outlet a helpful distraction from pain and the debilitating effects of cancer. She enjoyed giving many of her crafted items to loved ones after completion. Jamie was also an excellent cook and enjoyed creating tasty goodies when she was able. One of her favorite pastimes was surprising loved ones with little gifts, sometimes anonymously leaving them to wonder who sent them.

Jamie was very easy to love. She was an incredibly caring, compassionate, and kind woman. She was completely non-judgmental toward others; she did not care who you were, what you looked like, or where you came from, she treated you with the same unconditional kindness. She made others feel comfortable when they were with her. Jamie had an endless amount of forgiveness. If she loved you, you had her love for life. She might get angry at you but it was always over soon.

Jamie fought valiantly against cancer for 14 years. She was determined to live long enough to see her youngest daughter, Jayla, graduate high school and enter adulthood. Jamie continued fighting for more time until the very end, unwilling to allow the disease to win. She was able to spend her last few weeks with extended family where, although her body was fading, she still found much joy in playing with their little dogs and spending time basking in the sunshine. She found unconditional love and support until the very end from her family and friends.

Jamie’s two daughters, Taylor and Jayla and grandson, Vellie were the loves of her life. She was extremely proud of them and spoke of the joy they brought her. She could often be heard telling them that she loved them more than life itself and it was obvious to others just how precious they were to her. Making up silly songs about each of them brought her much pleasure and much laughter to her children over the years. Before she became so ill Jamie and Taylor loved thrifting together…visiting yard sales, outlet stores, and little odd thrift shops. She and Tay also like going to the casino together for a few hours just to relax and forget about daily struggles. Jamie loved spending time with Jayla on crafting projects, watching television, or just talking about life. Playing with Vellie during his visits were always special times. Her greatest wish was that in the future her children would be able to let go of any and all regrets, remember the love, and seek love and happiness in their lives.

Jamie will be dearly missed. When she left, she took a huge chunk of our hearts with her which will never be filled. She will always be remembered for the funny, sweet and wonderful person she was, the huge heart she had, the talents she possessed, and the joyful life she lived. Even though she had the ability to frustrate us dreadfully on occasion, she also had the capacity for soothing the feathers she had previously ruffled so we could all move forward again. She is gone far too soon.

Jamie is survived by her daughters, Taylor Cote and Jayla Valenzuela, grandson, Lohvell Culp, mother and father, Charlena and Michael Temons, brother, Ryan Sawyers and his daughter Haley, and stepbrothers, James and Garrison Haines-Temons. Jamie is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, and cousins, as well as those who were adopted as family long ago. Preceding her in death were her biological father, Russell “Red” Sawyers, maternal aunt Alice Pearson, and grandmothers, Waltereen Bernard and Faye Poulsen.

Sayonara, Jamie.

We love you so much. You’ve been such an important part of our lives and we’re grateful for every moment we shared with you. We’ll carry you with us always.

Fly me to the moon

 Let me play among the stars 

Let me see what spring is like

 On Jupiter and Mars

In other words, hold my hand

In other words, darling, kiss me 

Fill my life with song

And let me sing for ever more

You are all I long for

All I worship and adore

In other words, please be true

In other words, I love you

Fly me to the moon

Let me play among the stars

Let me see what spring is like

On Jupiter and Mars

In other words, hold my hand

In other words, darling, kiss me

Fill my life with song

Let me sing for ever more

You are all I long for

All I worship and adore

In other words, please be true

In other words, I love you

*Special thanks to Sandy and Lacy for all the love, support, and help you gave throughout Jamie’s illness, especially at the end. You are the absolute best!

~ Our family would love for you to please share any funny stories, memories, and photos you have. We would love to be able to laugh together, smile, and share who Jamie was to each of you.