D. Annette (Drawdy) Sasser

D. Annette Sasser, age 80 of Savannah, (affectionately known as “MamaNette” by many), passed away August 9, 2023, surrounded by her family.

Annette was born on August 25, 1942, in Lakeland, Florida. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Roy C. Drawdy and Fredna Myers Drawdy, and her beloved sister Barbara Powell.

Annette leaves behind her husband of twenty-three years, John Sasser; three brothers---Rev. Clifton Drawdy (Nancy), Rev. Ron Drawdy (Joyce), and Rev. Don Drawdy (Linda); two children---Teri (Clint) Williams and Rick (Elizabeth) Johnson; eight grandchildren---Anna (Noah) Bullard, Erin (Canaan) Banks, Micah (Candace) Williams, Ruth (Mason) English, Jacob (Sara) Lawrence, Jonathan (Alice) Johnson, Isabella Johnson, Kelly Cassiel (Nate) Wiehn; eighteen great-grandchildren---Ellie (R’ien) Perez, Ava Bullard, Lily Bullard, Scout Banks, River Banks, Forest Banks, Hadley Williams, Scarlett Williams, Boone Williams, Daniel English, Arthur English, Drake Lawrence, Alex Lawrence, Samara Lawrence, Evolet Johnson, Zion Johnson, Felicity Johnson, and Zuriel Johnson; one great-great-grandson---Ben Perez; and many nieces and nephews.

As the daughter of a preacher, Annette’s family moved wherever pastoral positions led them, which eventually brought them to Georgia. She graduated from Swainsboro High School in 1960. After marriage and the birth of her two children, she took a two-year correspondence course in writing from the Institute of Children’s Literature in New York. She continued her education with a two-year Degree in Early Childhood Development. Some years later, Annette completed a Master's in Christian Education and the Arts from Southern Bible Institute, a Doctorate in Theology, and a Doctorate in Christian Psychology and Counseling from Jacksonville Theological Seminary.

On May 8, 1999, she married John O’Conner Sasser. Although he came into her life and the lives of her children later in life, his love and devotion to their mother has meant everything to them and their families.

Annette was an evangelist, preacher, teacher, prolific songwriter, musician, recording artist, and published author. She spent many years co-pastoring, church-planting, and leading worship in churches throughout Georgia. She also recorded four albums, and, at the age of seventy-eight, published a book entitled The Seed. For over twenty years, Annette and her husband John have been a part of the Christian Boater’s Association (CBA) and served in positions of leadership for much of that time. 

For Annette, family was her “greatest treasure.” She was fiercely proud of each and every one of them. Although “MamaNette” will be sorely missed, she left her family an incredible legacy that will no doubt impact many generations to come. Her love for Jesus, family, and music will continue to impact the world through her many descendants. She was truly one of a kind.

The funeral will be held at the Wilkes Funeral Home in Vidalia, Georgia on Sunday, August 13, 2023, at 3:00 in the afternoon. The family will receive friends beforehand from 1:00 to just prior to the service. Burial will follow at Pine Crest Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions can be made to River of Life Outreach at P.O. Box 161, Lyons, GA, 30436.

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