Elizabeth Gill Purvis Guritz died in her beloved city of Savannah, GA on January 31, 2024.   

A former social worker and educator, Elizabeth was born in Savannah. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Temple and the Rainbow Girls. Elizabeth loved her dog, Silver Boy, and horse, Tony Boy. She enjoyed Leopold’s Tutti Frutti ice cream and trips to Tybee Island. She was a proud graduate of Savannah High School. Mrs. Guritz attended Shorter College in Rome, GA and graduated from Mississippi University for Women in Columbus, MS. She lived briefly in Jacksonville, FL before moving to Atlanta, GA where she spent much of her adult life. She always loved returning to Savannah to visit family and friends, and to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

In her early career years, Mrs. Guritz worked as a social worker in Savannah and Jacksonville. She spent many years working as a church kindergarten director and teacher in Atlanta; Elizabeth loved working with children and was always thrilled many years later when she encountered former students who remembered her fondly. Mrs. Guritz returned to social work when her children were older and served as Director of Social Services at Crestview Nursing Home, part of Grady Health in Atlanta. She volunteered at her daughters’ schools and with the American Cancer Society of Georgia; she was a member of the Junior Woman’s Club in the Atlanta area.

Elizabeth was married to David Guritz for 63 years. Together they raised three daughters and treated their daughters’ friends like family. They were always present at piano recitals and scouting events and served as the founding presidents of the PTSA at Atlanta’s Feldwood High School and never missed a band or drill team performance. David and Elizabeth cherished their two grandchildren: they traveled to Greenville, SC to attend Grandparents’ Day activities at school and enjoyed many soccer games and gymnastics performances. They journeyed to Disney World on several occasions with their daughters and grandchildren. Elizabeth enjoyed her family’s love of sports; her favorite teams were the Atlanta Braves, the University of Florida, Georgia Tech, Atlanta United, and the Atlanta Thrashers.

Elizabeth was the only child of Angus and Mary Purvis. She grew up with seven first cousins and always considered them her siblings: she talked fondly of summer trips with her cousins. Mrs. Guritz is survived by her daughters, Susan (Paul) Grier of Greenville, SC, Sharon Guritz of Atlanta, and Sandra Guritz of Midway, GA.  She is also survived by her grandson, Hayward Grier and his wife Elizabeth, and granddaughter, Elizabeth Grier, all of Greenville, and several extended family members. She was predeceased by her husband, David, her parents, and her first cousins.

Elizabeth Guritz loved her family, the families and residents she served, the children she taught, and her family’s pets. Her legacy lives on in her daughters and grandchildren who cherish her memory and mourn her passing.

Mrs. Guritz’ family extends a heartfelt thank you to the dedicated caregivers of Harmony Square who cared for her this past year. A private family service will be held in Savannah with burial in Greenwich Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601, www.act.alz.org.