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Celebrating the life of
Harriet Sanders Ebberwein
August 18, 1940 - June 11, 2024
Harriet Sanders Ebberwein passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at Azalealand Nursing Home in Savannah, Georgia.
Harriet was born in Sylvania, GA on August 18, 1940, to Gwendolyn Davis Sanders and David Sanders. At a young age, she moved to Savannah to live with her aunt and uncle. She earned a degree in Music from Florida State University and spent most of her life sharing her gifts and talents in many ways. Harriet taught private piano lessons to students of various ages for many years. Harriet also performed as a pianist at the Georgia Governor's Mansion, the Ritz Carlton Hotel, the Cotton Club in Atlanta, and the Savannah Golf Club, where she met her future husband, Joseph K. Ebberwein, who admired her musical talents.
She served as an organist and choir director at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Cumming, Georgia, and was an organist at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Savannah for many years. During her time at Blessed Sacrament, she formed a lifelong friendship with Msgr. Andrew J. McDonald, who later became the Bishop of the Diocese of Little Rock, Arkansas.
Harriet was a member of the musical staff at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors in Savannah and was active in many musical organizations, including the Musicians Guild of America.
She was predeceased by her parents, her brothers Roblyn, Loy, David, and Larry Sanders, and her husband of thirty-three years, Joseph K. Ebberwein. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Sr. Angela Marie Ebberwein, her husband’s five children, and their spouses, children, and many grandchildren.
The family expresses their gratitude to the staff and compassionate caregivers of Azalealand Nursing Home, where Harriet received exceptional care and had the opportunity to play the piano for residents and their visitors. Though her memory occasionally faded, her ability to play the beloved piano remained intact to the joy of many who listened.
A private graveside service will be held at the family cemetery in Midway, Georgia.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to Mercy Convent, 11801 McAuley Dr., Savannah, GA 31406, or the Humane Society for Greater Savannah, 7215 Sallie Mood Dr., Savannah, GA 31406.
Harriet and I were good friends growing up in Savannah. I had not seen her for a good many years, but still thought of her from time to time. We shared many good memories.
- Deanna Adams Hartley, Ludowici, Ga.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences at Harriett’s passing. She was my piano teacher in Pooler when I was in high school and actually gave lessons in our home. She was the organist and played the piano at Trinity Methodist in Pooler, and her talents were a blessing for our church. She had a close friendship with my family, eating meals with us after the lessons. I have ceramic pieces she made for my mother and leather gloves she gave me as a gift. The piano she taught lessons on is currently in my living room and the piece of music that I played exceptionally well at recital is framed above the piano.I lost track of her after I went to college and had no idea she was back in Savannah. Harriet was a presence in Savannah’s musical community, and I know she will be missed by all. Rebecca Kennedy Avant
- Rebecca Kennedy Avant, Statesboro, GA
Joe, you have my deepest sympathy and are in my prayers. Love, Roxie
- Roxie Bryant, Savannah, Georgia
Harriet was my piano teacher for many years....she was good friends with my parents and myself and I loved hearing her play the piano....she will be missed.
- Karl. Martin, Savannah, Georgia
Harriet was my cousin and was my first piano teacher. In our younger days our families were very close and she would come by our house and play the piano before going to mass at Blessed Sacrement to play. Great fun and fully talented musician. I am sorry we lost touch but kept up with her through her brother David who was close to the Sylvania relatives. Wayne Benton, Savannah GA
- Wayne Andrew Benton, Savannah, GA
Harriet and I were childhood friends. I'm so happy we were able to renew our friendship in the last years of her life. I enjoyed visiting with her in her home.
- Martha Henderson, Bloomingdale, Georgia
A beautiful tribute to a wonderful lady! Harriet, Joe, Dan, and I shared many happy memories together as neighbors at Oak Bluff. Thank all of you Ebberweins for taking such good care of her. May God Bless you all.
- Sandra Shea Davis, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- A private burial will be held
