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Celebrating the life of

Jimmye "Lou" DiBenedetto

April 06, 1936 - December 29, 2025

Jimmye

Jimmye Louise (Lou) Lowenthal DiBenedetto died peacefully on Monday, December 29, 2025.  Jimmye Lou was born in Savannah, Georgia, on April 6, 1936, to the late Bernard P. and Mildred Lowenthal. She was a graduate of Savannah High School, Class of 1954, and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Early Elementary Education from Armstrong State College in 1984. She married Louie DiBenedetto on May 14, 1955. Together, they built a life of love, laughter, and care with their five daughters.

Lou was preceded in death by her loving husband of 65 years, Louie, her daughter Laurie Ann,  her brother, Bernard J. (Butch) Lowenthal, and her parents. She is survived by her daughters Dianne, Dawn Shay (Sam), Angela, and Tina Swisher (Mike), eleven grandchildren (Amber, Kelli, Damon, Olivia, John, Hope, Blair, Arielle, Clinton, Andre, and Diandra), and many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews as well as her younger brother and sister, Pat Lowenthal and Stephanie Humphrey. 

She was a parishioner of St. Michael’s Catholic Church on Tybee Island, GA, for 39 years, and most recently, a parishioner of St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church on Wilmington Island.  Lou was incredibly proud to receive the Bishop Gartland Service Award in 2017 for her service to St Michael’s parish.

Lou devoted her life to the service of others.  She was the leader of Girl Scout Troop 155 at St. James and enjoyed helping the girls earn their badges. She loved taking the troop camping!  She found her calling when she began teaching in 1971, beginning her career as a preschool teacher at the Hebrew Community School. Early on in her teaching career, Lou began serving the Diocese of Savannah as a kindergarten teacher at the Nativity of Our Lord School. From there, she worked as a teacher at Sacred Heart Interparochial School, Notre Dame Academy, Blessed Sacrament School, and St. Michael’s Catholic School.  Lou loved teaching kindergarten and thought it was absolutely the best grade to teach. After over thirty years of teaching, Lou retired and spent her time giving beach nature walks, supporting her parish of St. Michael’s Catholic Church, and enjoying time with Louie and her family.

Lou possessed a spirit of adventure, so much so that once her children were older, she decided to take on the Georgia Annual State Bike Event (GASBE) and the Bicycle Ride Across Georgia (BRAG), which surprised everyone!  Louie tagged along, as did her daughter Tina, her granddaughter Amber, and her son-in-law Mike.  Lou completed the ride multiple times!

Known as “Mrs. D” to her students, Lou leaves a legacy of children whose lives she has impacted as an educator.  She was the kindest human being and always went out of her way to lend a helping hand and to make others feel welcome.  She was dedicated to her family and loved to be on the beach at Tybee Island, surrounded by her friends and family.

A visitation will be held from 3:00 pm until 4:30 pm on Sunday, January 4, 2026 at the Fox & Weeks Islands Chapel. There will be a Rosary at the conclusion of the visitation. There will be a memorial mass at 10:00 am on Monday, January 5, 2026 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church. The burial of the ashes will take place immediately following the service at the Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to Hospice Savannah Foundation: P.O. Box 13190, Savannah, GA 31416-0190 or Catholic Charities of South Georgia: PO Box 8703, Savannah, GA 31412.

SHARE YOUR CONDOLENCES

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GUEST BOOK

Sending condolences to the family. Lou was such a beautiful person. The love that she shared with others will be missed. An exceptional educator and great mom, grandmom and friend. We the Jackson family extend our heartfelt condolences at this time. Love from Victoria Jackson Cox

- Jackson Family, Savannah, Georgia

I loved Mrs. D. We worked together at Blessed Sacrament. She was a dear sweet lady. God bless you all in your grief.

- Rebecca L McBride, Savannah, GA

Deepest sympathy on the death of a great lady. We worked together at St. James Church & School years ago.

- Burch & Marie Bryant, Savannah, Georgia

I'm so sorry for the loss of Jimmye Lou. I remember how she loved the beach. She was a good friend to my mom and could always make her laugh. My prayers and thoughts are with her family. Sincerely, Julie McCarthy Chambers

- Julie McCarthy Chambers, Murrell's Inlet, SC

My deepest sympathy to all of the family. May the sweet memories you hold in your hearts give you comfort and peace in the days and years to come. Rest in peace, Lou!

- Jane Patricia Harte , Savannah, GA

May the angels welcome her to paradise.

- Susan Bunger , Savannah, GA

What a beautiful obituary talking about your mother's many accomplishments and the love she had for her family. Praying for the family during this difficult time. Yes, Heaven has gained another Angel!

- Steve & Kathy Salter, Tybee Island, GA

Our deepest condolences on your loss of Lou. May the love of family and friends and the memories you have be your strength through this difficult time.

- Gerding, Steve, Andrea, Brandon, Vancouver, WA

I'm so sorry to hear about your Mother, Dawn. It sounds like she lived an incredibly full life, loved by many. Peace be with you and your family.

- Kim Colvin, Tybee Island, GA

Mrs. D was Bailey's 1st grade teacher at St. Michael's. She was a really sweet lady. We always enjoyed seeing her at Mass as well. Please know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

- Donna, Todd and Bailey Smith, Savannah, GA

Always loved talking with her She will be missed

- Cindy Welsh, Savannah, Georgia

I was so sorry to hear about Lou's death. My thoughts and prayers are offered for Lou and her family.

- Mary Anne Butler, Tybee Island, GA

I was blessed to live next door to her and Louie for years. Such a wonderful lady she was. May light perpetual shine upon her.

- Patti Ward Neidlinger , Tybee Island , GA

I am so sorry for your loss. I went to school with Dawn at St James. Her parents were always there to help. When getting ready to walk in the St Patrick's day parade they were there to keep us in line. Always an encouraging word or gesture you would get from Mrs.D. Prayers for comfort for her family.

- Jeannette Schuman Whitted, Savannah , Georgia

To the Family of Jimmye Lou, I send my deepest sympathy & condolences for her loss. There are just so many loved memories of time spent with her, with Louie and with all of the family & friends. Whether on our beloved beach at Tybee, sharing a meal or an event together, laughter and happiness always evolved from the precious friendship that we enjoyed so very much. I have, and always will, treasure these memories. Jimmye Lou & Louie, such a dear couple, will never be forgotten. My love to each and all.

- Carolyn S. Sheehan, Tybee Island, GA

Everyone at BSS loved Mrs. D!! She was a real treasure. Sincere condolences to all her loved ones.

- Jan Mamalakis, Savannah , GA

So very sorry for your loss... Mrs D was the best!!! A great teacher, a better confidant... and a joy! May her soul rest in peace....

- Ethel Butler Tuttle, Savannah, GA

Services under the direction of:

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


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