West Las Vegas pioneer Sayles-House waves goodbye at 83

Rebecca Malone

Friday, Jan. 4, 2002 | 8:35 a.m.

Las Vegas lost one of its treasures Tuesday when Lovey Sayles-House, smiling and waving goodbye, died of a heart attack.

"If you asked anyone in West Las Vegas where Ms. Sayles lived, they would know," said Uri Clinton, one of Sayles-House's 18 grandchildren. "She was just special. She never had anything bad to say about anyone."

That sentiment was reiterated by a friend and fellow church member of 32 years, Lillie Brandy, a minister at Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church. She said Sayles-House never joined in gossip or spoke poorly of other people, and she would try to make excuses for people because she wanted to believe their hearts were filled with good intentions.

Sayles-House, 83, was a Las Vegas resident since 1947 and a retired powder room attendant at the Flamingo Hilton. She was active in Order of the Eastern Star, Martin Luther King Senior Citizens group, the Economic Opportunity Board, the Baptist Church and a choir called Silver Threads.

She was honored with the 2001 Rose Award, which is based on longevity and service to the community and is presented by the Professional Black Women's Alliance, Clinton said.

Sayles-House left behind many family members, all of whom remember specific things that made her special. Mostly, though, they all remember her strong faith in the church and her dedication to others.

Her son, Mitchell Sayles, remembers how his mother would always solve problems he caused at school and buy him supplies, even when his father said no. She burned into his memory the difference between right and wrong and the Golden Rule, Sayles said.

"She was a Christian from her heart," Brandy said. "She lived her life and lived it to the fullest."

Another son, Melton Sayles Jr., said she was "what every mother should be."

Clinton credits his becoming an attorney to his grandmother's support while he attended law school.

"She told me how to cook over the phone," Clinton said between laughs. "Otherwise, I would have starved out there."

She pushed her family, and herself, to do their best and continue with their educations. In her late 70s she was taking computer classes and, until two years ago, continued to drive, Clinton said.

"She wouldn't acknowledge any limitations," Clinton said. "Up until the very end she was smiling."

Sayles-House is survived by two sisters, Ruby Taylor of Los Angeles, and Reola Windrow of Richmond, Calif.; nine children, Barbara Jean Morris of Tulsa, Okla., Mary Etta Sayles Clinton, Heloise Pressley, Vivian Pressman, Lula Boston, Shirley Hardy, Melton Sayles, Jr., Mitchell Sayles and Edgar Rollins Sayles, all of Las Vegas; 18 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.

There will be two visitations today, one at Palm Mortuary, 1325 North Main St., from 12 to 5 p.m., and the second at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, 1189 Hassell Ave., from 6 to 8 p.m.

Services will be Saturday at Greater New Jerusalem, 1122 North D St., at 2 p.m. Interment will also be at Palm Mortuary Saturday at 3:30 p.m.