Celebrating the life of
Martha LeBey Lassiter
August 01, 1929 - January 10, 2016
Martha Lebey Lassiter, 86, passed away Sunday January 10th 2016.
Martha “Marty” a life-long resident was born in Savannah August 1st 1929 to Charles Andreu and Amy Gnann Lebey. She graduated from Savannah High School, Attended Salem College, then graduated from Newberry College summa cum laude as a music major in 1950. She was very active with her kids and school as member of the PTA. She taught piano lessons and enjoyed her kids and all their friends.
Martha grew up with her sister Naomi Gnann LeBey on the Vernon River, loved shrimping, crabbing, boating and had all her children swimming early. She loved reading, and was gifted at knitting. Many friends and family have quilts, hats, blankets and coats she created.
During World War II she played the organ for Ferguson Avenue Baptist Church because people weren't able to go into town due to gas rationing.
Martha’s true passion was genealogy and it was much of her life’s work. As life member of the Georgia Salzburger Society, she became Registrar in May of 1992 and continued until the time of her death. Following the footsteps of both her grandmother Mrs. Pearl Gnann and mother Mrs. Charles Gnann LeBey “Miss Amy”, Martha continued to collect records and update the Salzburger genealogies and helped publish two updated editions of the original work. Martha, with other’s and family members continued this work and a four-volume set of “Georgia Salzburgers and Allied Families” was published in 2003.
Martha is survived by her children, Mike N. Lassiter (Lori) of Guyton GA, Carla A. Mackenzie (Bill) of Cherryvale KS, Donald W. Lassiter (Jodi) and her granddaughters, Amanda Lara Lassiter, and Courtney Elisabeth Lassiter of Chandler AZ. She will be greatly missed by all her extended family as well.
Visitation: Friday, 5-7 PM, Fox & Weeks, Hodgson Chapel. Funeral Service: 11:00 AM, Saturday, Fox & Weeks, Hodgson Chapel. Interment will follow at Bonaventure Cemetery.
I first met Martha through the GSS and was much impressed by her kindness and dedication. Once when there, I purchased a couple of beautiful afghans that she had made and donated to raise funds for the group on Heritage Day, celebrated on Labor Day in New Ebenezer. One of these was particularly lovely, and later when exchanging correspondence, she agreed to make us another very similar one. We will always treasure our friendship with her and these unique creations. She also went out of her way to be kind to me when I was sick. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Much loved in life, she is now with the Lord.
- Evelyn Wisenbaker Savoie, Irving, TX
Mrs. Martha Lassiter was a delightful lady whom we had the honor of meeting in 2003 when we joined the Georgia Salzburger Society. Martha was a dedicated genealogical researcher and publisher, following in the steps of her mother and grandmother. She promoted the aims of the organization and fostered cohesion and camaraderie among the group. I was personally touched when she was so kind to my mother who had gotten sick once when visiting New Ebenezer, and inquired about her even after we returned home. Martha will always be remembered. Sincere condolences to her family. May she rest in peace.
- Alice Savoie Conklin, GSS Member, Irving, TX
We were so sorry to hear of Martha's death. She will be missed. We enjoyed her and her work in the Georgia Salzburger Society and having her as a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church while Donald was there as Interim Pastor. In times like this let us all be comforted by the words of our Lord Jesus who said, "I am the resurrection and the life." Pastor Donald and Janet Hanberry
- Donald ans Janet Hanberry, Snellville, Ga, GA
Having grown up in Savannah with Martha, I am remembering many pleasant experiences. She and her family and that property and dock on the marshes of the Vernon River were my favorite places to be for my whole life from babyhood until I left for college in 1951: many Sunday night suppers on that enclosed patio with the brick floor, the fireplace, 2 ping pong tables; learned to swim when thrown off the dock; keeping the place and livestock when they were away - including rescuing the baby turkeys that "drowned" when it rained - rescuing them - as Amy taught us by putting them for a time in the oven; and so many other memories. Willie and Gussie LeBey had 7 grandchildren. Martha and I were the two youngest. With her death, I am now the last one surviving - a bit thought provoking. I regret I will not be there Saturday for the service. My main volunteer work has a required training session all that day. So, I will think of you all and keep you in my prayers.
- Jack (John Courtenay) Laughlin, Asheville, NC
To The Lassiter Family : So sorry to hear about Martha. She was such a lovely southern lady. May your many memories help you at this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
- Michele King, Chandler, AZ
Praying for peace and comfort for your family. Martha helped raise so many of us and we will miss her.
- Florence Sugar Crain, Marysville, KS
So sorry to hear about your Mom
- Betsy Haddock, Savannah, Ga
I first met Martha through the GSS and was much impressed by her kindness and dedication. Once when there, I purchased a couple of beautiful afghans that she had made and donated to raise funds for the group on Heritage Day, celebrated on Labor Day in New Ebenezer. One of these was particularly lovely, and later when exchanging correspondence, she agreed to make us another very similar one. We will always treasure our friendship with her and these unique creations. She also went out of her way to be kind to me when I was sick. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Much loved in life, she is now with the Lord.
- Evelyn Wisenbaker Savoie, Irving, TX
Mrs. Martha Lassiter was a delightful lady whom we had the honor of meeting in 2003 when we joined the Georgia Salzburger Society. Martha was a dedicated genealogical researcher and publisher, following in the steps of her mother and grandmother. She promoted the aims of the organization and fostered cohesion and camaraderie among the group. I was personally touched when she was so kind to my mother who had gotten sick once when visiting New Ebenezer, and inquired about her even after we returned home. Martha will always be remembered. Sincere condolences to her family. May she rest in peace.
- Alice Savoie Conklin, GSS Member, Irving, TX
We were so sorry to hear of Martha's death. She will be missed. We enjoyed her and her work in the Georgia Salzburger Society and having her as a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church while Donald was there as Interim Pastor. In times like this let us all be comforted by the words of our Lord Jesus who said, "I am the resurrection and the life." Pastor Donald and Janet Hanberry
- Donald ans Janet Hanberry, Snellville, Ga, GA
Having grown up in Savannah with Martha, I am remembering many pleasant experiences. She and her family and that property and dock on the marshes of the Vernon River were my favorite places to be for my whole life from babyhood until I left for college in 1951: many Sunday night suppers on that enclosed patio with the brick floor, the fireplace, 2 ping pong tables; learned to swim when thrown off the dock; keeping the place and livestock when they were away - including rescuing the baby turkeys that "drowned" when it rained - rescuing them - as Amy taught us by putting them for a time in the oven; and so many other memories. Willie and Gussie LeBey had 7 grandchildren. Martha and I were the two youngest. With her death, I am now the last one surviving - a bit thought provoking. I regret I will not be there Saturday for the service. My main volunteer work has a required training session all that day. So, I will think of you all and keep you in my prayers.
- Jack (John Courtenay) Laughlin, Asheville, NC
To The Lassiter Family : So sorry to hear about Martha. She was such a lovely southern lady. May your many memories help you at this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
- Michele King, Chandler, AZ
Praying for peace and comfort for your family. Martha helped raise so many of us and we will miss her.
- Florence Sugar Crain, Marysville, KS
So sorry to hear about your Mom
- Betsy Haddock, Savannah, Ga
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
