Celebrating the life of
Barbara McGinty
February 26, 1933 - December 27, 2025
Barbara McGinty peacefully passed away in Savannah on December 27, 2025, surrounded by family. She was 92 years old.
Barbara Ann Witherington was born on February 26, 1933, to parents Ethel and Dennis Witherington in Savannah, Georgia, and was the second of their three children. She was educated in Savannah until she left for Troy State College in Dothan, Alabama.
Barbara was a strong, accomplished swimmer and exceedingly competitive. In the mid-1950s, she began a training program to swim the English Channel. Regrettably, she did not reach that goal due to a lack of financial support. However, during the time of her training, she accepted a teaching position at Groves High School, where she met a handsome young coach from Alabama who would become her husband for the next 66 years. It was a good trade.
From Groves High School, Bart’s 42-year career in education was launched. Over the course of her tenure, she earned three post-graduate degrees in Early Childhood Education, Educational Counseling, and Educational Administration and Leadership. After her retirement in 2000, she stepped into the role of Hearing Officer for the Savannah-Chatham County School System and served in that capacity for ten years. Additionally, her decades-long membership in the Georgia Alpha Delta Kappa educational sorority provided many opportunities to form friendships and promote professional standards in education.
Bart was a long-time member of Bull Street Baptist Church, where her faith grew and was enhanced in many lifelong friendships there.
She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, John F. McGinty; parents, Dennis and Ethel Witherington; sister, Gayle Conrad; brother, Dennis Witherington Jr.; son, Gary McGinty; and great-grandson, Carter James Boyett.
She is survived by her son Greg McGinty (Leslie); and daughters, Ann McGinty Riddell (Dan), Jan McGinty Boyett (Kelvin) and Pooh McGinty Fletcher (Keith); and lots of grand and great-grandchildren, all of whom she adored. Her legacy is one of faith, love and family.
The McGinty family is grateful to Mrs. Shirley Haupt, Nurse Tricia and the caregivers from Hospice Savannah, and the wonderful volunteers at Hope Arbor. Their care, kindness and attention to detail will be remembered with fondness and appreciation.
A memorial service will be held at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel, on Friday, January 2, 2026, at 11:00am.
A candle has been lit!
Ms. Mcginty is only person i allowed to call me midget at swimming pool. Was my pe teacher at jenkins.
- Celia lair, Savannah, Ga
Mrs. McGinty was like a second mom to me. I loved her so much and am so glad I got to see her the day she passed away.
- Fannie Sexton, Savannah , Georgia
Barbara was in Alpha Gamma with me plus we worked together a little. She was always telling jokes and having a good time. I remember seeing her once in a convertible with the top down near Lake Mayer enjoying the beautiful day.
- Carol Ogle, Pooler, GA
She was certainly a blessed person with such a loving and caring family. I know she will be missed. There is nothing to be compared to the love of a mom.
- Myra Brown Sykes, Gainesville, Georgia
Thanks be to God for a long life well lived. May her soul rest in peace.
- Tommy and Amanda Cannon, Savannah, GA
May the angels welcome her to paradise.
- Susan Bunger , Savannah , GA
I Love You and Will Miss You/ Miss Kay
- Kay Viar, Rincon, Georgia
My condolences to all of the family from an ADK sister. May she rest in peace.
- Mary Gene Sikes, Savannah , Georgia
Dear McGinity family, our hearts are heavy with the news of Ms. Barbara's passing. My parents (Bill and Peggy Foster) and brother (Bill, Jr.) and I lived down the street at Isle of Hope. Together, we shared many fun childhood memories. We also had the privilege of having Ms. Barbara as Linda's P.E. teacher at Jenkins High many years ago, and Mr. John at Savannah Christian, where we both graduated. Our love, peace, and blessings are sent to all of the McGinity family.
- Linda Foster Denhard & David Denhard, Savannah, GA
Such a wonderful lady; always smiling and joking with us. I was privileged to know her as an Alpha Delta Kappa sister, assistant principal, and friend. She will surely be missed by many.
- Carol Smart, Savannah, GA
I am so sorry that I will not be able to attend the memorial for Bart. I am out of town, but my heart and my prayers are with you all. I loved and cherished my friendship with Bart. She was an inspiration to me.
- Betty Elaine Keel Schafer, Savannah, GA
I grew up in Barbara's home just as much as my own. She would often wake up to find me in Greg's room when I didn't spend the night over there. She loved me as one of her own. Precious lady! So grateful that she has been reunited with her beloved ones and is being rewarded for a life of faith, love and kindness. All my love and continued prayers for Greg, Ann, Jan, Pooh and all the family.
- John Burgstiner, Loganville, GA
Greg and Pooh and all, we were sorry to hear of your mom's passing and have said an extra prayer for you guys and your dear Mom! Blessings to all.
- Michelle Koncul, SAVANNAH, Georgia
Her smile lit up the room. I shared with her recently that she was my PE teacher and she enjoyed talking about those years. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
- Nancy Wittfeld Montford, Savannah, GA
My condolences to all of Mrs. McGinty's family. I am truly sorry for your loss. May she rest in paradise.
- Jenny Balmer Clements, Richmond Hill, Georgia
A candle has been lit!
Ann and the other McGinty children-I am so sorry for your loss!! I grew up around the McGinty family, with Gary being my classmate for YEARS at Savannah Christian. We shared a birthday, and I always considered him my brother. Mrs. McGinty was always so cheerful and had a great laugh. It was a gift when she served as an interim assistant principal at Heard Elementary while I was there. Please keep her memories and love close to comfort you and your family. You will all be in my prayers!
- Lynn Odom, Savannah, GA
Prayers for the family. May God give you peace and comfort in this difficult time. The McGinty's were wonderful neighbors for years and years.
- Kimberly Shirah Fowler, Savannah , GA
Ann, Jan, and McGinty family.... Your mom, Mrs. McGinty(always Mrs. McGinty to me)was so special to me. She was my PE teacher at Jenkins- I remember when the McGinty children were dropped off to the gym. Ya'll were the cutest children and were all over the gym shooting baskets. Later, I was in Alpha Gamma Delta with her. We would laugh and share memories. She was a special lady. Please know all of you are in my prayers and thoughts. Leanne Consos
- LeAnne Consos, Savannah, Ga
So sorry for your loss.
- Adrian Nagy, Savannah, GA
About 15 years ago, I played tennis with Barbara and found out quickly that she was a fierce competitor with a great overhead shot. Barbara shared many stories about her children and grandchildren. Barbara deeply loved her family and was very centered on her relationship with God. So sorry for your loss.
- Kathy Vaught, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- Memorial Service
- 11:00 a.m. on Fri, January 02, 2026
- Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
-
7200 Hodgson Memorial Drive (map)
Savannah GA 31406 - 912-352-7200