Celebrating the life of
Nancy Lee Hillis
Passed away on August 09, 2016
"The Vamp of Savannah"
Nancy Lee Hillis, aka, The Vamp of Savannah, 67, of St. Simons Island, Georgia, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, August 9, 2016. She was a lifelong resident of both Savannah and St. Simons Island. She entertained thousands through her gift of song. She was easily a recognizable character because of her signature pink boa and her Dixieland jazz sound. Also known to many as "Mandy" from the book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Nancy was a lady of many talents and her most recent accomplishment was her published autobiography "Nancy Hillis, The Vamp of Savannah".
Survivors include her two sons, Wes Bonner, Jacob Hillis and many lifelong friends and adoring fans.
Her celebration of life will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 13th at Whitfield Square, Downtown Savannah, Georgia.
Flowers may be received at Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel. In addition, the Nancy Hillis Memorial Fund has been created at The Bank of the Ozarks.
May the God of all comfort be with you and your famIly during this difficult time (2Cor1:3,4)
- , ,
My condolences to the Hillis Family on the passing of your loved one. May Jehovah God grant you his peace while you await the fulfillment of his promise at John 5:28 [ to resurrect those who have been asleep in death]. May fond memories of Nancy Lee linger in your hearts and bring you peace in the days to come.
- Henry , Lawrenceville, GA
Wes Bonner, So sorry to read about your mom. Years ago you worked at CE at GSU while a student. I remember your fun stories about your mom, including why you ate vegetables for lunch purchased at a to-go place beside our office building. We were used to students loving fast food places. What a fun person your mom must have been and I know she will be missed by many. Condolences to your whole family.
- Sharon Pratt, GA,
Wes Bonner, So sorry to read about your mom. Years ago you worked at CE at GSU while a student. I remember your fun stories about your mom, including why you ate vegetables for lunch purchased at a to-go place beside our office building. We were used to students loving fast food places. What a fun person your mom must have been and I know she will be missed by many. Condolences to your whole family.
- Sharon Pratt, GA,
From my first time meeting you at Suzabelles where you belted out "Hard Hearted Hannah, vamp of Savannah", almost 13 years ago you became part of my life. My last time meeting you wasn't quite the celebration our friendship started with, but you still were just a wonderful ball of positive energy as we talked about your book that you were finishing up ( and as we discussed it's a fun and wonderful book). I'll never forgot our wonderful, fun and wacky times running errands around Savannah, Tybee and down to St. Simons. In closing I think the epitaph from Johnny Mercer's memorial is very appropriate for you, "And the Angels sing" I'm sure your providing Heaven with the most glorious Dixieland Jazz it has ever heard. I look forward to hearing it someday, along with a reprise of your performance at Suzabelle's. " Hard hearted" no, "Vamp of Savannah GA" you always will be.
- G. Hatley, Charlotte, NC
What an amazing lady! I was blessed to know and learn from her during her illness. Wes and Jacob, she loved you fiercely and always told me how she tried to protect you from the negativity of the life of an entertainer. Jeffery, she loved you with all her heart because you understood her and accepted her on the good days and the bad ones. This classy lady suffered through many heartaches and many physical problems, but her joy and concern for others always came through in the end. I will always treasure the talks we had, the lessons she taught me, and the fun we had getting her dressed for her various appearances while she lived at Westview. The whole staff would spend the day doing hair, nails, makeup, and trying on clothes! And then at the last minute, she would decide to wear something else, and we would do it all over again! We had a blast and she always made it a point to take pictures with all the staff who helped her dress for the occasion and we all felt as if we were famous too! She loved every minute of her life and even in the bad times, she came out shining like gold! What a treasure she was! Thank you, Nancy for sharing your world and your love with me. I love you!
- Anita Thompson, Garden City, Ga
Thank you for all the wonderful childhood memories! You will never be forgotten
- Maleah Gasque (Cochran ), Savannah, Ga
Went to school with nancy. She was the so sweet and kind to everyone. Prayers for her family
- joyce anne wilson gilbert, rossville, ga
I loved your Mom so very much. I'm going to miss her terribly. Nothing compares to the loss and pain you are feeling.
- Judy mullen , Savannah , Ga
So sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful lady. She will be missed but not forgotten. Rest in peace, Nancy.
- Jill Hunt, Bethalto, Ill
So sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful lady. She will be missed but not forgotten. Rest in peace, Nancy.
- Jill Hunt, Bethalto, Ill
Rest in peace my beautiful longtime friend...I will cherish the memories and I will see you on the other side rejoicing and praising God...
- Kaye and Tim Hafford, cochran, ga
Remembering the good times with Nancy growing up and being majorettes.
- Diane Royal, Flintstone, Georgia
So sorry to hear of Nancy's passing. I attended high school with Nancy at Chattanooga Valley High School. She was a very sweet person. Prayers for the family. Joyce Hise Hefner
- Joyce Hise Hefner, Chickamauga , Ga
Please accept my sincere condolences, I was honored to be have met Ms. Nancy while in St. Mary's Ga and was one of her caregivers. She was beautiful inside and out. I enjoyed listening to her talk about her life and the friends she had made. We lost a very dear person but Heaven gained an Angel!! She will be missed but will live on in our hearts and memories. Praying for the family and friends. God bless you all!
- Larry Wilkerson, Lakeland, Fl
Please accept my sincere condolences, I was honored to be have met Ms. Nancy while in St. Mary's Ga and was one of her caregivers. She was beautiful inside and out. I enjoyed listening to her talk about her life and the friends she had made. We lost a very dear person but Heaven gained an Angel!! She will be missed but will live on in our hearts and memories. Praying for the family and friends. God bless you all!
- Larry Wilkerson, Lakeland, Fl
Please accept my condolences on the passing of Nancy. It was an honor to have known such a great person. Sincere condolences.
- Glen Hodges, Atlanta, GA
Nancy and I were good friends for at least 30 years, and shared the same birth date which seemed to make us a little closer. I enjoyed visiting with her these past few years and bringing her chocolate shakes, Mexican Burritos, and even a few Margaritas. She was always cheerful and a pleasure to be around. We will all miss her forever, but will have many fond memories of the good times. I send my sincere sympathy to Wes and Jacob.
- John Aubrey Brown, Savannah, GA
My condolences to Nancy's family. She was always kind and thoughtful to me and my music. She is singing with the angels now and she is at peace.
- Gail Thurmond, Savannah, GA
Dear Wes and Jacob. Brad, Wes & I are thinking of you during your time of loss. We all loved Nancy and the two of you like family. Our sincere prayers and positive thoughts are with you today and moving forward as we all grieve for our dear Mother and friend.
- Lin Walsh, Key Colony Beach, FL
My sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Ms.Hillis. Pink boas forever!
- Mary M. Kessler, Dacula, Ga.
Dr. Charles Hillis was my Doctor back in the seventies in Lafayette, Georgia. I met his lovely wife Nancy, a very beautiful woman that will be missed by a lot of people. Prayers to the family.
- Donna Kay Brown, Rock Spring, Ga
I was very fortunate to have known Ms. Hillis. I enjoyed working with her and talking with her. She was a very interesting person. She was very kind to my grandson who met her while he was visiting with me. Ms. Hillis gave him a signed poster of herself, and on each one of his return visits, she would talk with him and encourage him to do his best in school and to dream and tell him that he could do anything he set his mind to. Hold on to all of your good memories, of which I know you have many. May God Bless and keep all of you during this time and always. Sincerely, Marcia Eggleston and my grandson, Max Eggleston
- Marcia Eggleston, Port Wentworth, GA
Dear Wes,Jacob,and Family,My prayers of peace and comfort are with all of you.I will always cherish those memories of my dear friend,Nancy.She was a class act.Love & Prayers!
- Linda Martin, Bend, OR
I loved her and was lucky enough to call her friend. Wes and Jacob, you are in my prayers. The Vamp of Savannah will be missed!
- Wanda Sheedy, Prattville, Al.
Nancy was a bright and beautiful soul. It was a pleasure working with her. She brought a spark into every room that she entered. My sincere condolences to her family, she will be missed. Anastasia
- Anastasia Stevenson , savannah, ga
I am so sorry to read of Nancy's passing. I extend my condolences to her family and pray that you will be comforted by Jehovah's words in Isaiah 25:8 where he promises that death will be swallowed up forever.
- Daniel, ,
Nancy and Charles were our next door neighbors in the early days. Sympathies to the family. RIP.
- Sherman, Lafayette, Ga
May the God of all comfort be with you and your famIly during this difficult time (2Cor1:3,4)
- , ,
My condolences to the Hillis Family on the passing of your loved one. May Jehovah God grant you his peace while you await the fulfillment of his promise at John 5:28 [ to resurrect those who have been asleep in death]. May fond memories of Nancy Lee linger in your hearts and bring you peace in the days to come.
- Henry , Lawrenceville, GA
Wes Bonner, So sorry to read about your mom. Years ago you worked at CE at GSU while a student. I remember your fun stories about your mom, including why you ate vegetables for lunch purchased at a to-go place beside our office building. We were used to students loving fast food places. What a fun person your mom must have been and I know she will be missed by many. Condolences to your whole family.
- Sharon Pratt, GA,
Wes Bonner, So sorry to read about your mom. Years ago you worked at CE at GSU while a student. I remember your fun stories about your mom, including why you ate vegetables for lunch purchased at a to-go place beside our office building. We were used to students loving fast food places. What a fun person your mom must have been and I know she will be missed by many. Condolences to your whole family.
- Sharon Pratt, GA,
From my first time meeting you at Suzabelles where you belted out "Hard Hearted Hannah, vamp of Savannah", almost 13 years ago you became part of my life. My last time meeting you wasn't quite the celebration our friendship started with, but you still were just a wonderful ball of positive energy as we talked about your book that you were finishing up ( and as we discussed it's a fun and wonderful book). I'll never forgot our wonderful, fun and wacky times running errands around Savannah, Tybee and down to St. Simons. In closing I think the epitaph from Johnny Mercer's memorial is very appropriate for you, "And the Angels sing" I'm sure your providing Heaven with the most glorious Dixieland Jazz it has ever heard. I look forward to hearing it someday, along with a reprise of your performance at Suzabelle's. " Hard hearted" no, "Vamp of Savannah GA" you always will be.
- G. Hatley, Charlotte, NC
What an amazing lady! I was blessed to know and learn from her during her illness. Wes and Jacob, she loved you fiercely and always told me how she tried to protect you from the negativity of the life of an entertainer. Jeffery, she loved you with all her heart because you understood her and accepted her on the good days and the bad ones. This classy lady suffered through many heartaches and many physical problems, but her joy and concern for others always came through in the end. I will always treasure the talks we had, the lessons she taught me, and the fun we had getting her dressed for her various appearances while she lived at Westview. The whole staff would spend the day doing hair, nails, makeup, and trying on clothes! And then at the last minute, she would decide to wear something else, and we would do it all over again! We had a blast and she always made it a point to take pictures with all the staff who helped her dress for the occasion and we all felt as if we were famous too! She loved every minute of her life and even in the bad times, she came out shining like gold! What a treasure she was! Thank you, Nancy for sharing your world and your love with me. I love you!
- Anita Thompson, Garden City, Ga
Thank you for all the wonderful childhood memories! You will never be forgotten
- Maleah Gasque (Cochran ), Savannah, Ga
Went to school with nancy. She was the so sweet and kind to everyone. Prayers for her family
- joyce anne wilson gilbert, rossville, ga
I loved your Mom so very much. I'm going to miss her terribly. Nothing compares to the loss and pain you are feeling.
- Judy mullen , Savannah , Ga
So sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful lady. She will be missed but not forgotten. Rest in peace, Nancy.
- Jill Hunt, Bethalto, Ill
So sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful lady. She will be missed but not forgotten. Rest in peace, Nancy.
- Jill Hunt, Bethalto, Ill
Rest in peace my beautiful longtime friend...I will cherish the memories and I will see you on the other side rejoicing and praising God...
- Kaye and Tim Hafford, cochran, ga
Remembering the good times with Nancy growing up and being majorettes.
- Diane Royal, Flintstone, Georgia
So sorry to hear of Nancy's passing. I attended high school with Nancy at Chattanooga Valley High School. She was a very sweet person. Prayers for the family. Joyce Hise Hefner
- Joyce Hise Hefner, Chickamauga , Ga
Please accept my sincere condolences, I was honored to be have met Ms. Nancy while in St. Mary's Ga and was one of her caregivers. She was beautiful inside and out. I enjoyed listening to her talk about her life and the friends she had made. We lost a very dear person but Heaven gained an Angel!! She will be missed but will live on in our hearts and memories. Praying for the family and friends. God bless you all!
- Larry Wilkerson, Lakeland, Fl
Please accept my sincere condolences, I was honored to be have met Ms. Nancy while in St. Mary's Ga and was one of her caregivers. She was beautiful inside and out. I enjoyed listening to her talk about her life and the friends she had made. We lost a very dear person but Heaven gained an Angel!! She will be missed but will live on in our hearts and memories. Praying for the family and friends. God bless you all!
- Larry Wilkerson, Lakeland, Fl
Please accept my condolences on the passing of Nancy. It was an honor to have known such a great person. Sincere condolences.
- Glen Hodges, Atlanta, GA
Nancy and I were good friends for at least 30 years, and shared the same birth date which seemed to make us a little closer. I enjoyed visiting with her these past few years and bringing her chocolate shakes, Mexican Burritos, and even a few Margaritas. She was always cheerful and a pleasure to be around. We will all miss her forever, but will have many fond memories of the good times. I send my sincere sympathy to Wes and Jacob.
- John Aubrey Brown, Savannah, GA
My condolences to Nancy's family. She was always kind and thoughtful to me and my music. She is singing with the angels now and she is at peace.
- Gail Thurmond, Savannah, GA
Dear Wes and Jacob. Brad, Wes & I are thinking of you during your time of loss. We all loved Nancy and the two of you like family. Our sincere prayers and positive thoughts are with you today and moving forward as we all grieve for our dear Mother and friend.
- Lin Walsh, Key Colony Beach, FL
My sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Ms.Hillis. Pink boas forever!
- Mary M. Kessler, Dacula, Ga.
Dr. Charles Hillis was my Doctor back in the seventies in Lafayette, Georgia. I met his lovely wife Nancy, a very beautiful woman that will be missed by a lot of people. Prayers to the family.
- Donna Kay Brown, Rock Spring, Ga
I was very fortunate to have known Ms. Hillis. I enjoyed working with her and talking with her. She was a very interesting person. She was very kind to my grandson who met her while he was visiting with me. Ms. Hillis gave him a signed poster of herself, and on each one of his return visits, she would talk with him and encourage him to do his best in school and to dream and tell him that he could do anything he set his mind to. Hold on to all of your good memories, of which I know you have many. May God Bless and keep all of you during this time and always. Sincerely, Marcia Eggleston and my grandson, Max Eggleston
- Marcia Eggleston, Port Wentworth, GA
Dear Wes,Jacob,and Family,My prayers of peace and comfort are with all of you.I will always cherish those memories of my dear friend,Nancy.She was a class act.Love & Prayers!
- Linda Martin, Bend, OR
I loved her and was lucky enough to call her friend. Wes and Jacob, you are in my prayers. The Vamp of Savannah will be missed!
- Wanda Sheedy, Prattville, Al.
Nancy was a bright and beautiful soul. It was a pleasure working with her. She brought a spark into every room that she entered. My sincere condolences to her family, she will be missed. Anastasia
- Anastasia Stevenson , savannah, ga
I am so sorry to read of Nancy's passing. I extend my condolences to her family and pray that you will be comforted by Jehovah's words in Isaiah 25:8 where he promises that death will be swallowed up forever.
- Daniel, ,
Nancy and Charles were our next door neighbors in the early days. Sympathies to the family. RIP.
- Sherman, Lafayette, Ga
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200

