BARBARA MAE MURRAY SAWYER'S journey of life began on the 4th month and 27th day of 1931.A beautiful baby girl born to Clarista "Clara" Sawyer and Joseph Nathaniel Murray in Brooklyn, New York. As an infant, Barbara Mae and her mother relocated from New York to her mother's hometown, the beautiful island of Key West, Florida. She was raised by her mother with the help of her grandmother, Rosetta Berry Sawyer. Growing up, family connections were close; cousin relationships were more like siblings. She received her education at Douglass School and was raised in a family with strong religious values that were instilled in their children. At an early age, she knew and loved the Lord. The importance of those values stuck with her throughout her life.

In her late teenage years, Barbara decided she wanted to explore the place where she was born. She left Key West and moved to New York City, residing with her Aunt Bea, to begin a new life. While working in New York, City, she united with Isaac Mcgraw. The year 1965 was the greatest year of her life. This is the year she gave birth to her one and only child, her son, Isaac Nathaniel McGraw. Isaac Jr. was the apple of her eye, the other half to her heart. They stayed in New York until 1974 when she decided to bring her "boy," as she called him, back to Key West and raise him just as she was raised, with her mother, brother, aunt, and cousins. The family was close, tight-knit and lived in unity. The family compound, as it has been referred to, was located, on Thomas Street and around the comer on Truman Avenue, continuing later in life to The Fort Village apartments.

Barbara lived a simple and modest lifestyle once she returned to Key West. Dedicated to giving her "boy" the best that she could and sharing that dedication of love with her family, she worked hard to provide for the two of them and doing whatever was needed for the family.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   ''Barbara previously worked in the hospitality industry at the Casa Marina Resort and The BOQ Annex. She was also a Cook at Depoo Hospital and worked side by side as a Cook with her good friend Iantha Brown at the famous Conch Fritter stand at Mallory Square.

In the early 1980's, Barbara met a companion, Mr. Louis Smalls. During their time together, they shared years of traveling, many happy times, and much laughter.

Barbara Mae, the eldest of her mother's three children and the only daughter, exemplified unwavering devotion. When her mother needed full-time care in the early 1990s, Barbara, alongside her brothers, Anthony (Tony) and Albert (Beenie), made the loving decision to provide care at home. As the eldest, she naturally assumed a leadership role, ensuring her mother's comfort and well-being until the end. A deeply caring individual, Barbara cherished her family more than anything else. She would do whatever she could for any one of her family members when asked She truly adored and was always there for her brothers, and their bond was a testament to the enduring power of sibling love - a tapestry woven with love, laughter, and unwavering support. Barbara's compassion extended beyond her immediate family. She considered her neighbors an extension of her own kin, showering them with love and care, especially the children in the community, some of whom became her loving Godchildren with Lemuel Mitchell Russell being her oldest Godchild and also her cousin.

Following her mother's passing, Barbara Mae sought a renewed sense of purpose. She had long admired the Order of the Eastern Stars but had been unable to join while caring for her mother. In 1997, she finally joined, initiated under the guidance of her sister-in-law, Worthy Matron Myrna E. Sawyer, and proudly served as the Flag Bearer. She remained a devoted member of the Order until her health declined. She cherished visits from her fellow sisters and always eagerly awaited updates on the Orders activities.

Barbara Mae was a devoted and faithful member of Bethel A.ME. Church where she was affectionately known as one of the "Mothers of the Church". She found great joy in her faith, attending services regularly, always securing a front-row seat on the right-hand side. When her health prevented her from attending in person, she continued her spiritual journey through virtual services with the help of her son, Isaac. Barbara was known for her kindness and compassion, generously sharing her time, talents, and love with the church community. Like her Mother Clara and Aunt Muriel, she expressed her devotion through song and praise, cultivating a deep personal relationship with God. She cherished the hymns of the church, finding solace and inspiration in their melodies.

Following his mother's example, Barbara Mae's son Issac Jr., with unwavering devotion, chose to provide his mother with full-time care at home when her health declined. He was a loving and dedicated son who never wavered in his commitment. Barbara Mae often spoke of her son's loving care, proudly sharing with others that "My boy takes good care of me." Her favorite quote to Issac Jr. was, "It's me and you," a phrase that encapsulated their enduring bond.

Her strife is over, and her battle is done. The victory of her life has won. On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, her son declared, Mama, I'll be ok, and I won't leave your side. It's always been just you and me." That statement made it well with her soul. God whispered softly in her ear, "My dear child, the time has arrived for you to come home and live with Thee." Our hearts ache with the sorrow of her passing, but we rejoice that her battle is won. We hold onto the belief that one day we will be reunited with our beloved Barbara Mae and descendants, eternally dwelling with God and Jesus, His begotten son.

Barbara leaves behind those who will mourn her loss and cherish her memory, her loving and devoted son, Issac Nathaniel McGraw, Jr. (Reshant Jefferson); three nieces whom she considered the daughters she never had, Vickie Sawyer, Kim (Fulton) Sawyer-Qareeb and Esa (Kevin) Sawyer-Rodriguez; one adopted niece, Caroline (Steve) Stubbs-Sylla; two nephews, Troy (Michelle) Brown and Robert Reid, Jr.; 18 nieces & nephews,13 great nieces & nephews; close family cousins, the Barnes Family with Keith being consider her "Little Brother," the Russell Family with Evangeline now being the eldest cousin; many other cousins who often refer to her as "Aunt Barbara"; and a host of devoted friends, all of whom adored her.

Barbara Mae Murray Sawyer will be dearly missed. She's left the earthly garden for a home beyond the sea. She will forever live on in our garden of memory.