Annette Sayers

Annette Sayers (Scott) was born February 1, 1952 in Omaha, NE. Annette and her twin sister Antoinette are two of seven children. Annette was preceded in death by her parents, Murry and Alma Lee Butler Scott, grandparents, and brother Jessie Scott. She leaves to celebrate her life and to honor her memory; her husband and best friend of 39 years, Roger, sons Darnell and Terrell, step children Raymond (Lori), Michele (Darrell), and Robin (Carl), two brothers, Clarence and Curtis Scott, three sisters Geneva Dourisseau, Antoinette (Douglas) Jones, and Marvelon (Vernon) Davis, 14 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, Aunts Oneida Scott Lee, Eula Butler, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Annette received her elementary education from Howard Kennedy, Saratoga, Horace Manne Jr. High School (currently King Science Center), and North High School. Annette was a youth leader in North's Future Nurses Association. Her mother said, Annette always wanted to be a nurse because she loved helping people. Annette received her Bachelor of Science Degree in nursing from Creighton University in 1974 and immediately joined the OB/GYN staff at Immanuel Medical Center. After 2 1/2 years she was promoted to manager of the Preoperative Whole Department within Immanuel's Surgical Services Department.

In 1978, Annette became the first Black degree nurse assigned to work in the surgery department at Immanuel Medical Center. This department soon became her department of choice. Annette's intellect, proficiency, passion for surgery and its processes quickly got her exposed to providing RN assistance for all surgical procedures. Despite the stress that accompanied surgical procedures, Annette enjoyed the challenge of surgery. Although, she often got more than she bargained for because of the day to day life and death procedures she encountered. In Annette's own words, " We are trained to provide total patient care, perform patient assessments, and understand how to prioritize and plan care. Our accountability is absolute because we have a legal responsibility for any problems that arise in the operating room.”

Because of her knowledge, insight, and understanding of surgery and its procedures, Annette developed and was granted a United States patent for an X-ray protective surgical Garment.

In 1983, Annette was introduced to Roger by her sister Geneva. They dated for two years and then were married July 6, 1985. Annette and Roger were inseparable. You would rarely see one without the other. They were truly the definition of what best friends were. Their blended family of five grew to 14 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. All of whom held Annette in the highest esteem.

Prior to Annette's retirement in January 2012, she served as the Coordinator and Clinical Specialist nurse of the surgical gastroenterological lab within the Alegent Health Center. As the coordinator of the Endoscopy Department, the body of knowledge required of Annette and her team was extensive. As a result of Annette's understanding and knowledge of gastroenterological problems, she distinguished herself as a leading advocate on behalf of the Douglas Sarpy County Colon Cancer Task Force. She significantly increased awareness of this highly preventable aspects of colon cancer as well as participating in health fairs throughout the city of Omaha. Additionally, Annette consistently spoke in favor of the nursing profession at many Omaha area junior and senior high schools.

Annette retired from Immanuel Medical Center in January 2012, completing 37 1/2 years of dedicated service. Annette believed that without community service we would not have a strong quality of life. She was a 12 year member of BlacWhit (a community based scholarship committee founded by the late Ervin Haynes Jr.) which raised well over $500,000 of need based scholarships for North Omaha youth.

In recognition of her service to the North Omaha community, she was selected as the Grand Marshall of the Native Omaha club celebration. In 2003, North High School awarded Annette their highest honor as a Viking of Distinction Inductee. Annette was also a member of the Viking of Distinction Committee for several years. 

In 2013, Annette, (twin sister) Antoinette, and (sister) Geneva established the ongoing Scott Sisters annual scholarship awarding $2,000.00 for a deserving North High School graduating female. Despite all of Annette's well deserved accolades, the root of her comfort, strength, and joy came from her deep spirituality and faith. Baptized at an early age at Morning Star Baptist Church, she joined her husband Roger at Salem Baptist Church in 1985 where she served in various capacities and a devoted member. She joined Roger, Carl and Ann Christian as co-chairs of 1997-1998 Capital Stewardship Campaign which was the driving force for the new Salem Baptist Church. 

Annette loved to shop, visit family/friends, and travel. She took over forty cruises with her husband Roger accompanied by friends and family. Annette's love for life, her devotion to family/friends, the church, and her persona is truly her eulogy.

Visitation Sunday Nov 24, from 4:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. at Roeder Mortuary on 108th and Maple. 

Service will be held at Salem Baptist Church on Monday, Nov 25th, at 10:00 A.M. 

Services will be livestreamed:

https://boxcast.tv/view/home-going-service-for-sis-annette-sayers-mwpndnransjh70dxnfsz 

In Lieu of flowers, charitable contributions to the Annette Sayers Scholarship, payable to Salem Baptist Church will be greatly appreciated by the family.