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Celebrating the life of
Betty H. Hohnerlein
Passed away on February 17, 2025
Betty Ray Hendricks Hohnerlein, widow of Martin Hohnerlein, mother of John Hohnerlein, Barrie Ezell, and Grammy to Victoria Ezell, passed away on 02/17/2025. She was preceded in death by her mother, Ollie M. Hendricks, father, John T. Hendricks, sister, Ann Gerken, and son-in-law Daniel O’. Brien. She was a member of Asbury Memorial Church. Born in Waycross, Georgia to John and Ollie Mae Hendricks on March 3, 1935. She lived most of her life in Savannah, Georgia. She graduated from Savannah High School and attended Armstrong College. Her first job in Savannah was with the Savannah Morning News. In 1955 she married Martin (Bo) Hohnerlein and settled in Albany Georgia. They moved throughout the coastal states plus Pennsylvania and Hawaii as Martin was in the Marine Corps. After retirement, they returned to Savannah where she was employed by Hancock Day School.
She taught kindergarten for 25 years. After retiring, she tested and tutored children for many years. One of her greatest accomplishments was teaching over 300 children to read. Betty was a docent at the Juliette Gordon Low home and volunteered for pastoral care at St Joseph’s Hospital. She was a member of the Elks Auxiliary, Savannah Woman's Club, Daughters of the American Revolution (Bonaventure Chapter), and the United Daughters of the Confederacy. Also, the Red Hat Society. She enjoyed the fine arts and participated in various coral groups including the Albany Women's Chorus and Handel Society of Savannah. She was also a charter member of the St. James Catholic Church choir. She painted, won state awards for scrapbooking, enjoyed theatre, and the symphony. She traveled extensively throughout Europe, Hawaii, and the United States with her sister Ann Gerken, now deceased.
Survivors include her children, John H Hohnerlein (son)from Charleston S.C., Barrie Ezell (daughter) from Savannah Georgia, and one granddaughter, Victoria Anne Donahue, and her husband Cole. Also, brother-in-law, Henry Gerken from Casselberry, Florida, and several nieces and nephews. Plus, a very important couple, John and Sharon Ware of Kentucky, and special friends John Hallman and Arlene Jiminez.
Graveside Service will be 12:00 noon, Friday, February 21, 2025 at Hillcrest Abbey Memorial Park, 1600 Wheaton Street, GA. 31404.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Asbury Memorial Church, 1008 East Henry Street, Savannah, Georgia. 31401.
To the family: I am so saddened by the passing of Ms. Betty. I will truly miss our conversations as well as working for her. Such a beautiful soul.
- Ernestine (Nee Nee) Williams , Savannah, Georgia
Mrs Hohnerlein was my Kindergarten teacher in 1979 at Hancock Day School. I will forever be thankful for her life. Condolences to her family.
- Christy Moore , Savannah, GA
Will always appreciate special, Betty. She thoughtfully would inquire how my ageing Mom was doing. Using her special talent for teaching, Betty would give me wonderful tips on how to hep Mom maintain her quality of life - which was always so helpful. It is very difficult to lose someone as special as Betty, especially so suddenly and unexpectedly. She will be missed. Thoughts and Prayers are with You - her Loved Ones.
- Wendy Ciccodicola, Cranbury, New Jersey
My heart breaks and I am so very sad. Betty was my dearest friend, mentor, confidant and role model. She was an accomplished artist, talented pianist, beautiful singer, lover of little blown glass figures, avid reader and loved Carey Hillard’s sweet tea and oyster stew. Betty was quick to call a spade a spade and tell you what she thought, if you asked. She had the softest skin. Her secret and advice? Moisturize! Moisturize! Moisturize! And she had the true what a great laugh! I loved her so and I will sorely miss her! Fly high my dear friend. Fly high!
- Sharon Ware, Eubank, KY
A candle has been lit!
Sending my condolences and love on this day of bereavement to Betty's family and friends, with ongoing and continued love set aside for the grief journey that lies in the days ahead. Betty was such a beautiful person, both inside and out! She utterly radiated light and warmth, and her kindness coupled with her unforgettable Southern charm ensured she never met a stranger. I had the honor of her significant presence in my family's life all throughout my childhood in Savannah. My mother fell in love with her, as everyone did, becoming instant fast friends and by extension marking Betty a permanent fixture and important role model in my life as well. She helped teach me Southern traditions and manners, always ever so gracefully, naturally, and in a way that never imposed upon or vexed me (as is the case with many Southern Belles who attempt to foist wisdom on the younger generations). With Ms. Betty, I actually *wanted" to learn more about how she did things so that I could hopefully be more like her, possibly even emulate her... some at least (a girl can dream!). She helped with my wedding and hosted my first born daughter's baby shower. My future self would wish I had spent more time with her, so I could have observed even more of her endless grace and incorporated more of her extraordinary attributes. Betty, you left an indelible mark on my life, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for being the best friend that my mother deserved. You were in our lives on Earth for just four decades, but you'll live in our hearts for eternity.
- Jessica Adkins, Weaverville, NC
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- Graveside Service
- 12:00 pm on Fri, February 21, 2025
- Hillcrest Abbey Memorial Park
-
1600 Wheaton Street (map)
Savannah GA 31404 - 912-234-3458