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Celebrating the life of
Jessie Tanner Fawcett
November 05, 1924 - March 07, 2024
Jessie Tanner Fawcett
Jessie Tanner Fawcett, passed away on March 7, 2024 at age 99, in Savannah, Georgia. She lived a long and happy life, and was blessed to have wonderful friends, good health, and a loving family. She was married to her late husband, William Dudley Fawcett, Sr. for over fifty years.
Jessie was born in Sandersville, Georgia to the late Mell J. and Mae Tanner. Her college years began at Tift College; she later transferred to the University of Georgia, pursuing a degree in Home Economics. She began her career at the high school in Richmond Hill, Georgia, where she started their Home Economics Department. Later, she gained her certification in elementary education and taught at several local schools, including Charles Ellis School.
Jessie loved entertaining and welcoming people into her home. She especially enjoyed playing bridge with long-time friends. She was a charter member of P.E.O. Chapter L, where she was an advocate for their many projects and treasured the special friendships within the group. Throughout her life, she was involved with a number of different organizations where she was able to add value to her community and others.
Jessie was a faithful communicant of St. John’s Church, where she shared her talents in many ways through service to the congregation. She was a dedicated member of the Chancel Society and, for many years, helped create beautiful floral arrangements for the church and for the Green-Meldrim House. She was also known for sharing delicious baked goods at church functions.
Jessie is survived by her three children: Melanie Fawcett Summerell (Ray), Margaret Claire Fawcett, William Dudley Fawcett, Jr. (Andrea), seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her two siblings, Anita Tanner West and Mell J. Tanner, Jr., and a granddaughter, Virginia Summerell McMullen.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, March 12, 2023 at St John’s Church, 325 Bull Street, Savannah. Following the service, a reception will be held at the Green-Meldrim House and then a burial at Hillcrest Abbey East, 1600 Wheaton Street, Savannah.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made St. John’s Church, 1 West Macon Street, Savannah, GA 31401.
Our prayers and heartfelt sympathy go out to you all. Mrs. Fawcett will be missed by all those that knew her.
- Steve & Diane Beasley, Macon, GA
Melanie, Claire and William- we were saddened and sorry to receive the news of your Mother’s passing. A life well lived and we are certain that the Lord welcomed her into her Eternal home with these words: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” We will remember Jessie as a woman of great Character, Integrity, Morals, Values, Principles-she was Spiritual, a loving/caring Mother, Grandmother, Mother in Law and she was always a Loyal and True Friend. We pray for her Spirit and we pray that God will comfort you and all of your family’s during this difficult time.
- Richard, Ann Lutz and our family , Savannah , GA
Melanie, Please share with Claire and William my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your darling mother Jessie. She and your father were part of my parents Joan and Ben Jones' generation with many years of friendship between them. She was one of the first members of St. John's to welcome Charlie and me when we transferred from Christ Church in the 1980s, a sincere gesture that's remembered all these years later. May her memories stay in your hearts forever.
- Julia Jones Williams, Isle of Hope, Georgia
Ray, Melanie and family, Kathryn and I are so sorry for the loss of your mother. She was quit a lady who had a long and full life. Our prayers are with you all.
- Frank & Kathryn Murray , Pembroke , Georgia
Jessie had been gradually fading for a long time. As her end drew in, Melanie and I were in England, visiting our daughter and her family. Sensing it was time, Melanie flew back but didn’t quite make it in time. My travel plans evolved differently and, unfortunately, I cannot make it back for the funeral. Regardless, Jessie was one of a kind. Many people will remember her for countess years of good works, service to St. John’s Church, and effortless Savannah hospitality. In your prayers please thank God for counting Jessie among the angels.
- B. Ray Summerell, Savannah , GA
Claire and family, I was so sorry and saddened to hear of the passing of your wonderful mother. She was a great lady and Southern gentlewoman. She will be missed by all and especially by the Zipperer family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. With affection,
- James Forrester Zipperer III, Jacksonville , Florida
Claire and family, I was so sorry and saddened to hear of the passing of your wonderful mother. She was a great lady and Southern gentlewoman. She will be missed by all and especially by the Zipperer family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. With affection,
- James Forrester Zipperer III, Jacksonville , Florida
I was so fortunate to have had Mrs. Fawcett as my 4th grade teacher at Charles Ellis in 1965. She was such a kind and dedicated teacher. I remember having difficulty understanding division, and she tutored me during recess and made sure I understood it. I will always be grateful to her.
- Betsy Brogdon Woodward , Savannah, Ga
I am so sorry to hear of Mrs. Fawcett's passing. She was my second grade teacher. Prayers for the family. I know she will be greatly missed.
- Katharine Hill Ruse, Savannah, GA
Oh Ms Jessie will be missed by all who knew her. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones.
- Jessica Denmark Schroyer, Bloomingdale, GA
Claire, I'm so sorry you've lost your mother. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
- Kathleen Brewin Lewis, Atlanta, Georgia
Claire, Melanie, William I’m so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. You all had the most fabulous parents. I so admired them , their gentleness and kindness. You are gifted a great legacy. Bless you all
- Frannie Fawcett Peterson, Houston, Texas
My heart is so touched. She was my 2nd grade teacher at St. Paul's Lutheran School in 1961. I still recognize her by this beautiful picture. I have so many good memories of the 2nd grade with Mrs. Fawcett but especially all of us going to her house where she had "ponies"..... I moved away from Savannah many years ago but I have often thought of her when I think back on all of my teachers. I am so happy to hear that she lived a long, good life and is with Our Lord Jesus Christ and Many of our loved ones. We will surely see her again.
- Susan (Gomez) Luckey, Melbourne, FL
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- Funeral Service
- 11:00 a.m. on Tue, March 12, 2024
- St. John's Church
-
325 Bull Street (map)
Savannah Georgia 31401
- Burial
- on Tue, March 12, 2024
- Hillcrest Abbey Memorial Park
-
1600 Wheaton Street (map)
Savannah GA 31404 - 912-234-3458
