Celebrating the life of
Bertie Palmer Skinner
September 21, 1940 - July 25, 2016
A most amazing woman, Bertie Skinner, passed away at her home on July 25, 2016. Bertie was born on September 21, 1940 at Telfair Hospital in Savannah, Georgia to Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Lawrence Palmer, Jr. Bertie lived in Savannah her entire life and graduated from Savannah High School in 1958. Bertie attended The University of Georgia before marrying Herbert C. Skinner, Jr.
Bertie’s love for life was evident to anyone who ever met her. Her infectious smile and laugh would instantly light up a room. With Bertie’s unique “gift of gab”, she never met a stranger. If she did, she would know everything about them in 20 minutes and become lifelong friends.
Bertie was an excellent cook and loved to entertain. She was an avid Bridge player and had a true talent and gift for remodeling over 30 homes during her lifetime. Bertie’s true passion in life were her family and friends. Her wonderfully joyous spirit and selfless giving will be missed by all.
She loved to give back to others and volunteered on many charitable boards, including The Savannah Speech and Hearing Center. She was a member of the Junior League of Savannah, The Married Women’s Card Club and The Savannah Yacht Club.
Bertie is survived by her children, Stephen Skinner of Savannah, Trey (Deanne) Skinner of Savannah and Elizabeth (Joe) Kehoe of Savannah; her grandchildren, Blake Skinner of Nashville, Brenton Skinner of Savannah and Carson Kehoe of Savannah; her sister, Marion Watford, and her brother, Larry (Lynn) Palmer of Savannah; her niece and nephews, Keli Elizabeth, Jim (Cameron) Watford; Bubba Palmer, and Chris (Katelyn) Palmer; her first cousins, Juddy (Sandra) Blount of Washington, Georgia; Claudia (Tom) Litten of Helen, Georgia, Barbara (Don) Rupert of Edgefield, South Carolina, Shirley Oliver (Glen) Donaldson of Savannah, and Bert Oliver McCabe of Aiken, South Carolina; and her former husband, William Etz of Savannah.
Visitation will be held on Thursday from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel. A graveside funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 29, 2016, in Bonaventure Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests remembrances to St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, P.O. 30859, Savannah, GA 31410 or to the St. Joseph’s/Candler Foundation, 5354 Reynolds St., Savannah, GA 31405.
Please sign our on-line guest book at www.foxandweeks.com
May the God of all comfort be with you and your famIly during this difficult time (2Cor1:3,4)
- , ,
Trey, Stephen, and Liz, So sorry to hear about your Mom. She was a beautiful, sweet, and lovely woman and always had a kind word. Mary Christy
- Mary Christy Macdonald, Savannah, Ga
Bertie was certainly a very lovely lady and I was blessed to know her and enjoy her infectious smile and caring spirit during my years living in Savannah. I know that she will be missed by her family and wonderful friends. Farewell to a nice lady. Maggie Mclendon
- Maggie Morrison McLendon, Bluffton, S.C.
Bertie and I met and became good friends during high school. We had some great times together. She had an infectious personality and made everyone feel like her best friend. I was in her beautiful wedding.Wow! what a great time had by all! Please accept my heartfelt condolences. May God Bless her soul. Her old friend Sue Dodge (Schieffelin)
- Sue Dodge Schieffelin, Maitland, FL
I send my deepest sympathy to all of Bertie's family.I am thinking of you all. She will be greatly missed.
- Camille R Ward , Tybee Island, Ga31328
My condolences to the Skinner 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 Bertie linger in your hearts and bring you peace in the days to come.
- Henry, Lawrenceville, GA
Dear Liz and family, I am so very sorry about your precious mother. She was loved by everyone, and did so many nice, caring things for others. My prayer is that your Faith and your wonderful memories of her will sustain you now and forever. Sending you my love and sympathy. Jan
- Jan Daniel Crawford, Va. Beach, Va.,
Lovely lady a joy to know also she was the most fun mom to hang with at the horse shows all those years ago
- Nell gay and ellen gay bradley, Savannah, Ga
Oh Liz, we are so sorry about losing Bertie. Our friendship has been a long one, and a special one and we will truly miss her. Jim and I were at the funeral but could not get close enough to see you or Trey of Steven. Bertie will be in our prayers along with all of the family. Mari and Jim
- Mari and Jim Buchman, ,
Bertie was so special to all of us at Tybee. So sorry for the family's loss. She will always be remembered with a smile on her face.
- Lin Walsh, Key Colony Beach , FL
Liz and Family, My thoughts, prayers, and condolences are with you today. Bertie was always one of my favorite people to see. She had a beautiful spirit and an infectious laugh that would light up any room. I am truly saddened that she is gone, but her beautiful spirit will live on forever.
- Matt Daniel, Savannah, Ga
A sweet and wonderful person. Her smile and kindness will be missed by all.
- Tommy and Frances Clark, Palm Coast, Florida
Sorry for you lost my mother pass last Thursday.Bertie was like my 2nd mother. She would call me and say I have bought another house I will be needing you help. She would find a house no one wanted and see saw what it took to make it beautiful. She never put a for sale sign someone would just knock on her door and offer to buy the house.She also saw the good things in people and brought it out of them. She was such wonderful person.
- Chuck, Cohutta, Ga
Bertie will be missed by many and I go back to the Baptist church and school and many years since then. She always had a smile and something good to say about others. We will all miss her. Philip
- Philip Jones, Savannah,
I truly wonderful person! Will miss seeing her happy smile. May peace be with you all..
- Dale Murray, Savannah, Ga
From Joe Amato, Julie Dikes and Lisa Killmoore, We are very sorry to hear this news and enjoyed Birdies company every time she came in to our store. Rest in piece Birdie.
- Seventh Heaven Antiques, savannah , ga.
Liz,Stephen and Trey, I met your mother in 2004 and just loved her immediately. She has been a wonderful friend to me over the past 12 years, I'm so blessed to have known her and call her my friend. I will always remember that beautiful smile and infectious laugh. She will be greatly missed by all. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this very sad time.
- Barbara Dudley, Savannah, Ga
Bertie was such delightful and charismatic lady. We loved her. Thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Much love to you all!! Meredith and Sean Herb
- Sean and Meredith Herb, Savannah, GA
I HAVE HAD THE PLEASURE OF BEING BERTIE'S FRIEND AND BRIDGE PARTNER FOR OVER 3 YEARS. I WILL TRULY MISS BERTIE'S LAUGHTER AND FRIENDSHIP. JOHN GIBBONS
- John Gibbons, WEST ROXBURY , MASS
Stephen, Trey & Liz, I am so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this most difficult time. Sincere condolences. Leslie Heyel-Marino
- Leslie Heyel Marino, Savannah, Ga
I have fond memories of Bertie from all our school days in Savannah. Everyone seemed to know everyone; Savannah provided a cocoon in which we could thrive on the journey we all shared in those years. And Bertie was special..I remember her smile and that things were fun when she was around. God bless you, Bertie......
- Joanne Gunn, Alexandria , VA
Bertie was a wonderful person and I feel fortunate to have her be a part of my life. I have many great memories of growing up with all of you and the fun days in your home.
- Mark & Jodi Weeks, Savannah, GA
Liz, we know you have lost your best friend as well as a wonderful Mother. She was so proud of you and all the hard work you have done as a child and an adult. You could always expect a laughing voice when talking to her. We will be thinking, praying, and joyfully celebrating the life of Bertie as an especially fine person. Many loves, Becky and Buddy
- Becky and Buddy Martin, Savannah, GA
Liz & family, I am so sorry. Thinking of you and hoping for peace & grace for each of you.
- Joan Wade, Savannah, Ga
Liz,Trey & Stephen-Bertie had been a friend of mine for many years. She was a match maker for my husband and me. Bertie was always for full of life and enjoyed it to the fullest. She will be greatly missed and the memories will live with us forever. Love Barbara and Bob Plank
- , ,
Liz, Trey & Stephen - Bertie was such a bright light. She was one of those people I always looked forward to seeing. We have lost a beautiful soul. I am praying for peace for you all.
- Laura Braun James, Savannah, GA
Liz, I'm in total shock. You and your family are in my prayers. I sure did love your mom. Nella
- , ,
Bertie, we will miss your beautiful smile. Prayers of peace and comfort for the Skinner family at this sad time.
- Jeanne & Guerry Conrade, Savannah, GA
May the God of all comfort be with you and your famIly during this difficult time (2Cor1:3,4)
- , ,
Trey, Stephen, and Liz, So sorry to hear about your Mom. She was a beautiful, sweet, and lovely woman and always had a kind word. Mary Christy
- Mary Christy Macdonald, Savannah, Ga
Bertie was certainly a very lovely lady and I was blessed to know her and enjoy her infectious smile and caring spirit during my years living in Savannah. I know that she will be missed by her family and wonderful friends. Farewell to a nice lady. Maggie Mclendon
- Maggie Morrison McLendon, Bluffton, S.C.
Bertie and I met and became good friends during high school. We had some great times together. She had an infectious personality and made everyone feel like her best friend. I was in her beautiful wedding.Wow! what a great time had by all! Please accept my heartfelt condolences. May God Bless her soul. Her old friend Sue Dodge (Schieffelin)
- Sue Dodge Schieffelin, Maitland, FL
I send my deepest sympathy to all of Bertie's family.I am thinking of you all. She will be greatly missed.
- Camille R Ward , Tybee Island, Ga31328
My condolences to the Skinner 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 Bertie linger in your hearts and bring you peace in the days to come.
- Henry, Lawrenceville, GA
Dear Liz and family, I am so very sorry about your precious mother. She was loved by everyone, and did so many nice, caring things for others. My prayer is that your Faith and your wonderful memories of her will sustain you now and forever. Sending you my love and sympathy. Jan
- Jan Daniel Crawford, Va. Beach, Va.,
Lovely lady a joy to know also she was the most fun mom to hang with at the horse shows all those years ago
- Nell gay and ellen gay bradley, Savannah, Ga
Oh Liz, we are so sorry about losing Bertie. Our friendship has been a long one, and a special one and we will truly miss her. Jim and I were at the funeral but could not get close enough to see you or Trey of Steven. Bertie will be in our prayers along with all of the family. Mari and Jim
- Mari and Jim Buchman, ,
Bertie was so special to all of us at Tybee. So sorry for the family's loss. She will always be remembered with a smile on her face.
- Lin Walsh, Key Colony Beach , FL
Liz and Family, My thoughts, prayers, and condolences are with you today. Bertie was always one of my favorite people to see. She had a beautiful spirit and an infectious laugh that would light up any room. I am truly saddened that she is gone, but her beautiful spirit will live on forever.
- Matt Daniel, Savannah, Ga
A sweet and wonderful person. Her smile and kindness will be missed by all.
- Tommy and Frances Clark, Palm Coast, Florida
Sorry for you lost my mother pass last Thursday.Bertie was like my 2nd mother. She would call me and say I have bought another house I will be needing you help. She would find a house no one wanted and see saw what it took to make it beautiful. She never put a for sale sign someone would just knock on her door and offer to buy the house.She also saw the good things in people and brought it out of them. She was such wonderful person.
- Chuck, Cohutta, Ga
Bertie will be missed by many and I go back to the Baptist church and school and many years since then. She always had a smile and something good to say about others. We will all miss her. Philip
- Philip Jones, Savannah,
I truly wonderful person! Will miss seeing her happy smile. May peace be with you all..
- Dale Murray, Savannah, Ga
From Joe Amato, Julie Dikes and Lisa Killmoore, We are very sorry to hear this news and enjoyed Birdies company every time she came in to our store. Rest in piece Birdie.
- Seventh Heaven Antiques, savannah , ga.
Liz,Stephen and Trey, I met your mother in 2004 and just loved her immediately. She has been a wonderful friend to me over the past 12 years, I'm so blessed to have known her and call her my friend. I will always remember that beautiful smile and infectious laugh. She will be greatly missed by all. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this very sad time.
- Barbara Dudley, Savannah, Ga
Bertie was such delightful and charismatic lady. We loved her. Thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Much love to you all!! Meredith and Sean Herb
- Sean and Meredith Herb, Savannah, GA
I HAVE HAD THE PLEASURE OF BEING BERTIE'S FRIEND AND BRIDGE PARTNER FOR OVER 3 YEARS. I WILL TRULY MISS BERTIE'S LAUGHTER AND FRIENDSHIP. JOHN GIBBONS
- John Gibbons, WEST ROXBURY , MASS
Stephen, Trey & Liz, I am so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this most difficult time. Sincere condolences. Leslie Heyel-Marino
- Leslie Heyel Marino, Savannah, Ga
I have fond memories of Bertie from all our school days in Savannah. Everyone seemed to know everyone; Savannah provided a cocoon in which we could thrive on the journey we all shared in those years. And Bertie was special..I remember her smile and that things were fun when she was around. God bless you, Bertie......
- Joanne Gunn, Alexandria , VA
Bertie was a wonderful person and I feel fortunate to have her be a part of my life. I have many great memories of growing up with all of you and the fun days in your home.
- Mark & Jodi Weeks, Savannah, GA
Liz, we know you have lost your best friend as well as a wonderful Mother. She was so proud of you and all the hard work you have done as a child and an adult. You could always expect a laughing voice when talking to her. We will be thinking, praying, and joyfully celebrating the life of Bertie as an especially fine person. Many loves, Becky and Buddy
- Becky and Buddy Martin, Savannah, GA
Liz & family, I am so sorry. Thinking of you and hoping for peace & grace for each of you.
- Joan Wade, Savannah, Ga
Liz,Trey & Stephen-Bertie had been a friend of mine for many years. She was a match maker for my husband and me. Bertie was always for full of life and enjoyed it to the fullest. She will be greatly missed and the memories will live with us forever. Love Barbara and Bob Plank
- , ,
Liz, Trey & Stephen - Bertie was such a bright light. She was one of those people I always looked forward to seeing. We have lost a beautiful soul. I am praying for peace for you all.
- Laura Braun James, Savannah, GA
Liz, I'm in total shock. You and your family are in my prayers. I sure did love your mom. Nella
- , ,
Bertie, we will miss your beautiful smile. Prayers of peace and comfort for the Skinner family at this sad time.
- Jeanne & Guerry Conrade, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
