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Celebrating the life of

Norma Brewin Ward

October 26, 1929 - September 09, 2024

Norma Brewin Ward

Norma Brewin Ward, much-admired school teacher and co-founder of SAFE Shelter in Savannah, died on September 9, 2024, with her daughter by her side.  Born on October 26, 1929, in Savannah, Georgia, she was the only child of Norma Monsees Gibbons and Herbert Frederick Gibbons.  Her mother died a few hours after her birth, so she was raised by her devoted aunt, Katherine Monsees Precht, who gave her a foundation of unconditional love. But even in her advanced years, Norma longed for the mother she never knew.

Norma was baptized, confirmed, and married in the Lutheran Church of the Ascension, and remained a faithful member throughout her life. She attended The Pape School, Savannah High School, Armstrong Junior College and the University of Georgia, from which she graduated with a liberal arts degree. She was a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority.

At a Geechee Club dance at UGA, she met a handsome returned serviceman named Sidney Lee Brewin who also hailed from Savannah. They married in 1951 and were devoted to each other until Lee’s death in 1998.  Their lives were enriched by the birth of a loving daughter, Kathleen, the companionship of many dear friends, the addition of a patient son-in-law, Jeff, and the gift of two dear grandchildren, Ben and Rosalee.

Norma began a satisfying teaching career at Charles Herty Elementary School, then called Moore Avenue School, but spent most of her 14-year career at Jacob G. Smith Elementary School where she taught in the program for gifted children. She often said that it felt like magic the moment she entered the classroom.  Creating a joyful learning environment and motivating children to succeed were among her great talents. She was selected Teacher of the Week by the Savannah News-Press in 1963.

She left teaching and commenced years of volunteer leadership in the Savannah community.  A trained hotline crisis counselor, she became aware of the problem of domestic violence and of the critical need for a shelter for battered women and their children.  She wrote a letter to the editor of the Savannah Morning News about the lack of safe options and joined with Lucy Brannen, Harris Lentini, and Caroline Armstrong to raise the funds and obtain government support to open S.A.F.E Shelter for Battered Women and Their Children.  Norma attended the first conference on domestic abuse in Georgia, visited shelters in other communities, and spoke to numerous civic groups to make the shelter a life-changing reality for thousands. She was named an Outstanding Woman by the Savannah Business & Professional Women’s Network for her role in the establishment of S.A.F.E. Shelter.

Norma was a member of the Board of Trustees of the Historic Savannah Foundation, chaired its Reception Committee, and orchestrated numerous special events. She also served as treasurer of the Women’s Guild of the Telfair Museum of Art, a Board member and president of the Savannah Widows Society, president of the Nine Holers at the Savannah Golf Club, and, for many years, a member of the Women’s Guild of Bethesda Home for Boys, chairing its Endowment Committee. She enjoyed membership in the Savannah Golf Club, the Chatham Club, and her book club, as well as travel, and was often asked to model in charity fashion shows.

After being widowed for several years, Norma and Lafe Preston Ward of Williamson, WV, were introduced by their daughters, who had been classmates at Wake Forest University.  Norma and Lafe married in 2007 and greatly enjoyed their blended family until Lafe’s death in 2013. Norma then turned her attentions to ministering to nursing home residents through Ascension’s Lay Ministry, visiting with them often and cheerfully, and leading them in devotions.

At the age of 90, she left her beloved Savannah to be part of her daughter’s family in Atlanta. There she lived comfortably at Saint Anne’s Terrace, but forever missed her deep Savannah relationships. Her family thanks the kind, attentive staff of Saint Anne’s as well as the compassionate caregivers of Personal Care, Inc. We are very grateful to Quiana Gresham (KiKi) who helped and cared for Norma in so many ways, as well as Wanda, Evelyn, Moya, Tamera, and DJ.

Norma was an attractive, fashionable woman who turned heads, but she was also a woman of substance who made a difference in her community.  Her motto was “refuse to be vanquished” and in challenging times she did just that. But she also advised friends to “do a little fun thing every day,” and passed along her father’s admonition to “keep up your looks and your property.” She was known for keeping up her looks – as well as for her delicious crabcakes and colorful Easter hats.

Norma wanted “to thank all those who loved me, tolerated my faults, and could always be counted on to support me.” She is survived and forever missed by her daughter, Kathleen Brewin Lewis, of Atlanta, son-in-law Jeffrey Young Lewis; two treasured grandchildren, Benjamin Brewin Lewis and Rosemary Lee Lewis; four stepchildren—Cindy Ward Brasher, Leslie Ward Vancho, Donna Ward Toulme, and David Townsend Ward—and their families; and several close cousins. We hope and believe that she has finally gotten to meet her mother.

If desired, memorial gifts may be made to the Lutheran Church of the Ascension (120 Bull Street, Savannah GA 31401) or S.A.F.E. Shelter (P.O. Box 61119, Savannah GA 31420)—two Savannah organizations that meant the world to her. Visitation will take place beginning at 12:45 on Thursday, September 12th, in the reception hall of the Lutheran Church of the Ascension; a Funeral Service will follow in the church sanctuary at 2:00. Colorful or pastel attire welcome; Norma never did like black.

 

SHARE YOUR CONDOLENCES

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GUEST BOOK

You are absolute correct saying “Mrs. Brewin” was a very stylish woman! She was my awesome second grade teacher at Jacob G. Smith and I clearly remember that she always looked so great in the classroom. She also taught my brother, Billy, and sister Patsy. When Billy died unexpectedly in 2019 at the age of 63, I reached out to your Mom and we had a lovely conversation and of course she remembered all of us. Just know that your Mom touched many lives in an awesome, powerful, and positive way. She will be missed but never forgotten. She was truly loved by many, including the entire Barrett family. My sincere condolences, Andy Barrett

- Andy Barrett, Taylors , SC 29687

What a beautiful soul. Love to Kathleen and the entire family.

- Shannon Bates, Savannah, Georgia

My deepest condolences to you and your family. Ms. Ward was a very kind person she was good to me and I cared for a lot I will miss her very much.

- Quiana Gresham, Decatur, Georgia

What a beautiful telling of her life. She was truly a woman to be admired, and I feel lucky to have met her. Sending you my deepest condolences x

- Robyn, Brooklyn , New York

I give my Condolences To Mrs Normal Ward Daughter Kathleen and the rest of her family

- Wanda shorty , Atlanta , Georgia

Our deepest condolences to the family. We all will miss her presence and smiles. She was such a full of life person and definitely will be miss by all

- Robin Shelton Mikell, Savannah , Ga

I am remiss in not thanking Hospice Atlanta, kind hairdresser Edith, and caregiver Karina for their care of my mother.

- Kathleen Lewis, Atlanta, GA

I was fortunate to have been in Mrs. Brewin's 1962-1963 second grade class at Jacob G Smith School. She was a wonderful and engaging teacher. She had the unique ability to bring out the best in all of us.

- Alan Lipsitz, Savannah, Georgia

What a wonderful lady .....a nearby neighbor and friend....I frequently saw her at Red and White Grocery. She will be missed and fondly remembered.

- Karl L. Martin, Savannah, Georgia

We had the pleasure of getting to know Norma when we started attending Ascension Lutheran in 2013. She was such a friendly, pleasant lady and made us feel so welcome. We looked forward to talking to her each week and missed her when she moved to Atlanta. Her obituary reminds us what a special, genuine, classy lady she was. Sincere condolences to her family.

- Joyce and David Murphy, Berlin, PA

She taught both my son and my daughter at JGSmith. I was very involved with all the activities and knew her well. We were always happy to run intro each other from time to time. She always asked about my children. A lovely lady.

- ELSIE Evans, Savannah , Ga. 31410

My sincerest sympathies on your loss. What an accomplished individual. She left Savannah a much better place than she found it. I am proud to have had her as a customer for many years. May your tears turn into smiles as soon as can be.

- Harvey Rosenzweig, Savannah, GA

What a beautiful picture of a life well lived and a woman truly loved. Sending my love and condolences to the family. We’re lucky to see her spirit and grace live on through Kathleen and Rosalee.

- Casey , Brooklyn, NY

My name is Donna. Ms. Brewing would know me as Donna Stone. She was my 2nd grade teacher. She truly was my hero. I will never forget the kindness and special attention she gave me as that 2nd grader. I had a speech problem and she took me under her wings and let me stay with her after school while she helped me. I was in her gifted class at Jacob G. Smith and several years ago I saw her at the mall and she knew who I was...what a great teacher and lady we have lost. My sadness is for this family! Prayers for comfort....

- Donna Stone Manders, Savannah, Ga

I feel lucky to have known Norma. She was a true steel magnolia. She was beautiful inside and out. She touched many lives with her grace, intelligence, and kindness. My condolences and prayers are with the family.

- Griffin Thomas, Boston, MA

Norma was indeed a "stylish woman!" I enjoyed book club with her for several years. She was a dear friend and will be missed by many. Sending our deepest condolences. Jane Pressly

- Jane W. Pressly, Savannah, GA

Norma was a mainstay in my mom’s Kitty Heyman Brannen’s life and after her death she was also to my sister Amy and brother Ed on our visits to Savh. Since my mom passed early Norma provided so much rich detail on her life and we cherished our visits. Prayers for family and friends.

- Beth Brannen Cayce , Roswell, Georgia

Mrs Brewin was my 2nd and 3rd grade teacher and I was immediately infatuated with this pretty lady- which she remained her entire life. Sorry to see of her passing but Norma had a long and I'm sure a good life. She was a very positive influence on a LOT of people. I feel fortunate to have known her.

- Bobby Everette, Savannah, Ga

Norma Brewin was a wonderful lady. Our condolences. Lee and Henry Morgan

- Henry Morgan, Savannah, GA

I had the privilege of having Mrs. Brewin as a teacher at Jacob G Smith. She has always had an enormous impact on my life. I used to sit in awe of how poised and beautiful she was. I also remember her as a great teacher! Sending prayers for all the family members.

- Lynne Henley Rainey, Savannah, Georgia

Services under the direction of:

Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200


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