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Celebrating the life of
Phillippa Kandel Paddison
June 11, 1928 - October 02, 2024
Phillippa Kandel Paddison, known affectionately to her friends as Flip, and to the rest of the world as “Grandma”, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2024, in Savannah, GA, at the age of 96. Born on June 11, 1928 in Savannah at Telfair Hospital, she lived in Savannah with her husband, John Robert Paddison (Bob,1923-2021) for all but a few years of her life.
Phillippa is survived by her four children, Diana Churchill, Kim Paddison Dockery (Keith), John Robert Paddison Jr. (Nancy), and David E. Paddison (Jeanne); seven cherished grandchildren, Lauren Dockery, Stephen Dockery, John Robert (Jack) Paddison 3rd, Dylan Paddison, Chloe Paddison Eddleman, Caroline Paddison Koncul, Mason Paddison; and a great-grandson, Jasper Eddleman. She also leaves behind her beloved sister, Joanne Kandel Leaf, along with many nieces and nephews who played significant roles in her life.
Phillippa grew up in downtown Savannah, first on Gaston Street and later at 432 Abercorn Street on what is now known as Taylor Square. She attended Massie Elementary, Chatham Junior High School, and Savannah High School. Her spirit of service started early as she knit socks for the troops in WWII, served as a plane spotter, and taught swim lessons for the Red Cross in the creeks of Harrock Hall. Phillippa attended Armstrong Junior College for two years, where she met Bob Paddison in a biology class. They were lab partners dissecting frogs, and later became life partners for 69 years. She finished her BS at Georgia State College for Women where she studied math and chemistry. She obtained her MPH from Columbia University. After working in the mountains of North Carolina in Public Health, she began a lifetime of service to her family and the community.
Phillippa taught Sunday School and was committed to the Social Justice and Religious Education programs at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Savannah. The RE classrooms were named Phillippa’s Place in her honor. She volunteered in the Savannah-Chatham public schools teaching art, and tutoring math at Jenkins High School for 20 years. She was a weaver and active in the Fiber Guild of the Savannahs for many years. Her weaving appears in the giant oak fiber sculpture in the Oatland Island Wildlife Center Visitors center, as well as on numerous shawls, baby blankets, place mats and other fabric creations throughout the community.
She was a strong, creative woman who worked quietly to back up her deep belief in equity and social justice – making banners and marching in the Martin Luther King Parade, preparing soup and sandwiches and serving at the Inner City Night Shelter, and tutoring Algebra, Calculus & Statistics to many Savannah students until she was in her late 80s.
A graveside memorial for immediate family members will be held at a later date, to honor Phillippa's life and legacy.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Phillippa Kandel Paddison’s honor to Hospice Savannah, Inc., 1352 Eisenhower Drive, Savannah, GA 31406, with the mailing address at P.O. Box 13190, Savannah, GA, 31416. Donations can also be made online at [Hospice Savannah Donations](https://www.hospicesavannah.org/give-2/donations/), Oatland Island Wildlife Center at [Friends of Oatland](https://www.friendsofoatland.org/support) or Wesley
Community Center, Wesley Community Center Inc 1601 Drayton St, Savannah, GA 31401 (https://www.wesleyctrs-savh.org/How-Can-I-Help),
Dearest Family of Phillippa especially my friend Diana, I send my sincere condolences to you on the passing of your mother. She was an amazing human being and judging by Diana’s great kindness as a friend to me and my father, a wonderful mother. I wish our world had so many more people like your mother, kindness in action. I hope your memories of her will bring comfort and joy. Sincerely, Holly Deal (daughter of Jack and Betty Deal)
- Holly Deal, Atlanta, GA
Dearest Family of Phillippa especially my friend Diana, I send my sincere condolences to you on the passing of your mother. She was an amazing human being and judging by Diana’s great kindness as a friend to me and my father, a wonderful mother. I wish our world had so many more people like your mother, kindness in action. I hope your memories of her will bring comfort and joy. Sincerely, Holly Deal (daughter of Jack and Betty Deal)
- Holly Deal, Atlanta, GA
On behalf of the Board of Directors. staff, and families of Wesley Community Centers of Savannah, Inc., we are saddened to hear the passing of Mrs. Phillippa K. Paddison. She had such a sweet spirit, just like Mr. Bob Paddison, the love of her life. To the Paddison family, just know that you had two amazing parents, and the "fruit of their labor" is displayed in each of their children and grandchildren. You are in our thoughts and prayers. -Tammy A.K. Mixon-Calderon & Wesley Community Centers of Savannah, Inc.
- Wesley Community Centers of Savannah, Inc., Savannah, GA
Great memories of Mr and Mrs Paddison coming into Hester and Zipperer and her teaching at Jenkins. What a long great life they had. Always a treat to wait on.
- Mark Hadden, Sav, Ga
Dear Diana and Family, It was with sadness that I read about the death of your Mom. She lived a long, creative and active life. You and family will be on my heart and in my prayers.
- Gail Jones, Guyton, GA
Dear Paddison Family, your mom and dad were not only our good friends, but our heroes. I loved how they lived life. And as Halloween approaches, the Hester family will always remember how all 6 of us would get an extra thrill walking up to your parent's house - knowing we would get an extra treat from your mom and a family photo from your dad. They were a big part of my family lives and my parents lives - we cherished them. My mom passed last year - I know they are all having quite a reunion together! Love and prayers for all of you. Billy Hester & the Hester Family
- Billy Hester, SAVANNAH, Georgia
Phillippa was a great help to me with my fiber classes when I first started teaching. She was so patient, giving, and excited about teaching weaving. I think of her as a Saint of all things Fibers.
- carrie chapman, Savannah, Georgia
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
