Celebrating the life of
Elizabeth Lois Gunn
September 29, 1940 - September 20, 2014
SAVANNAH - Elizabeth Lois Gunn, 73, died September 20th, 2014 at 12:51 PM.
The proud Scot was born in Miami, Florida in 1940 to the late James Faucett and Sarah Cogburn Gunn. She attended Catholic Schools in Miami and graduated from Florida State University in 1962 with honors. She subsequently received three Masters Degrees from Kent State University in Psychology, Social Work, and Military Science. She was the first woman to receive the latter.
She was active in the Democratic Party her entire life and organized the first Students for Kennedy organization in 1959. She worked for the Kennedy Campaign and on the campaign staff of every democratic president since then. She remembered that “Lyndon Johnson cussed a lot and always gave the same speech.”
She went to Vietnam in 1969 as a Foreign Service Officer representing the United States State Department. While in Vietnam, Ms. Gunn injured her right knee, which ultimately resulted in her being paralyzed in the right leg.
She entered the United States Army Reserves and after twenty years of service retired as a Lieutenant Colonel.
She worked in the corrections industry for many years, much of that time in Minnesota. She received numerous awards for her work and achievements, and was a specialist in family relations.
She was a member of the Vietnam Veterans Association and the Scottish American Military Society. She was a Charter Member of the Military Women’s Organization and organized the first Kensington Park Homeowners Association.
She is survived by two sons, Mark Hepburn and Erik Blank; two sisters, Barbara Kirk of Tampa, FL and Charlotte Smoak of Pinewood, SC; a brother, Jimmy Gunn of SC; grandchildren, Robert, Richard, Roxanne, Randy, Jasmine, Aurora, and Lillie; and sixteen nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister Rebecca Ann Gunn and her beloved dog, Regina.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until Noon on Saturday, September 27, 2014 at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel at 7200 Hodgson Memorial Drive in Savannah, Georgia. The funeral service will follow at Noon. Interment with full military honors will follow in Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah, Georgia.
Active Pallbearers will be members of the Scottish American Military Society. Honorary Pallbearers will be Jim Vejar, Frank Matthews, Andy Ernst, Greg McGinty, George Saunders, Max Cleland, Curtis Tanberg, Gary Corbin, Tom McNamara, Mike Overstreet and Southside Paramedics.
Friends who would like to make donations can make checks payable to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Savannah with "in memory of Betty Gunn", and mail to: 311 East Harris St., Savannah, Ga. 31401.
Please send flowers, light a candle, upload a photo and share your condolences through the Fox & Weeks website.
Virginia & I are sadden by the loss of Betty. She was a great lady like everyone has expressed in their condolences. Virginia & I wish the family our sympathy and prayers.
- Gene & Virginia Spear Reinbach, Islamorada, Florida
She was a great woman she use to always make me laugh and smile she will be missed love you miss ms gunn I will miss you so much
- Natashia bright , Savannah , Ga
You will always be in our hearts you was a great woman like a mother to us we will never forget you very charitable a woman of God who loves to sing praise The Lord we will miss you so much. We thank God for you every day all the good times we had you will be missed We thank God for your support and presence you was such a great woman you did so many great things we was blessed just to know you we will continue to keep the family lifted up in prayer you are in our thoughts and prayers such a beautiful soul you will be truly missed we love you so much rest in peace ms Gunn we love you
- Shay&Chris Harris, Savannah , Ga
Bye, bye, Betty. We will miss you. Bob & Caren
- Clan Ross, Beaufort, SC
Remember her well, and so sorry we lost touch. I actually moved to NE Ga going into my Senior year, but she was a good friend through our Junior year. Betty was so smart and involved so much in all kinds of causes. She achieved so much that I desired and missed. God Bless her for all she did.
- Kitty (Watts) Barnett, Clayton, Ga
I am so sorry for your loss death is a very hard thing to bear , But did you know that Bible holds out a hope for a resurrection for our love ones?Well it dose please read John 5:28,29 this scripture will give family comfort and hope. Again I am sorry for your loss.
- Mary cooper, Savannah, Ga
What a wonderful life story. In high school, Betty was always the most active and dependable at any undertaking. It sounds as if she continued that way for her whole life. Blessings to all the family.
- Rex and Barbara, Davie, FL
I AM SAD. BETTY WAS A LONG, LONG TIME FRIEND....MOST INTERESTING AND FULL OF SPIRIT AND LOVE FOR LIFE. WE GO BACK TO CATHOLIC GRAMMAR SCHOOL AND HAVE NOT BEEN IN TOUCH A LOT BUT NEVER OUT OF TOUCH EITHER. WE HAD SI MUCH FUN AND GOOD MEMORIES TOGETHER AT THE OLD DRUG STORE WITH THE JUKE BOX AND SODA FOUNTAIN. WE LOVED DANCING THERE. MOSTLY JUST THE GIRLS. MAY GOD GRANT HER ETERNAL PEACE AND REST. LOVE PAULINE
- PAULINE ZALOOM SALOIS, PEMBROKE PINES, FL
While I will not be able to attend the funeral of my sister Betty Lois due to illness, I will be there in spirit. Thursday night my children and I had a private memorial service for Betty Lois and shared many photos and wonderful memories. Betty Lois and I rarely went a few days without talking on the phone, sometimes for hours.. We enjoyed my visits to her in Minneapolis and Savannah, along with her visits to me in SC. I know Betty Lois is in a much better place and is no longer suffering, but I will miss her greatly.
- Charlotte Gunn Smoak, Pinewood, SC
Betty was a longtime friend who surrounded herself with interesting people. She often hosted gatherings at her house and always enjoyed the lively conversation. She was my coworker and boss at the Hennepin County Home School in Minnesota and the Colonel never hesitated to take charge of the situation there, or elsewhere! We shared her love of dogs and the conversation often gravitated in that direction. Since her move to Savannah, her phone conversations included a myriad of topics that revealed her intelligence, her generous spirit and her belief in justice and fair play. All these characteristics will be missed. There will never be another "Betty". Love and sympathy to you from
- ken and Thelma Fricke, Eden Prairie, MN
Our deepest sympathy to the family of Betty Gunn. She is now at peace and in a better place. God bless, Chris and Don Dasher, Rev. George Saunders
- Chris & Don Dasher, Rev. George Saunders, Savannah, GA
We are deeply sadden at the loss of our loved one Aunt Betty. She was a gracious lady with a great wit about herself. She will be truly missed and we know that she is in a far better place now. She brought a very unique since of humor to every where she went and we all enjoyed her company. May she rest in peace.
- De Brocq's, Charlotte, NC
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We are sorry that we will be unable to attend the service but I am recovering from surgery. Betty and I were roommates at FSU. I will miss her and our lengthy phone calls.
- Cindy and Mike Overstreet, Valrico, Fl
I am grateful to have gotten to know Betty, if only over the phone. We had some wonderful conversations. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
- Anne Butler, Savannah, GA
Betty, my baby sister is a very strong and a very intelligent woman. She loved preparing for the yearly Gunn's family reunion and loved being around family. She called me almost everyday during her share of sickness and she always ended our conversation by telling me she loved me. I love you more Betty and I will miss you dearly. Rest in Peace baby sister. I love you more than you will ever know. We shall see each other again someday. Your brother, Jimmy
- James and Revelyn Gunn, Pompano Beach , Fl
Ms. Betty was always a gracious hostess to our family. Blessings and sympathy to her family. She will be missed.
- Scott & Cheryl Gunn, Warner Robins, Georgia
Ms. Betty was always a gracious hostess to our family. Blessings and sympathy to her family. She will be missed.
- Scott & Cheryl Gunn, Warner Robins, Georgia
It is our faith that gets us through the loss of someone so dear to our hearts. Betty Lois will remain in my fond memories forever. She was a very special cousin and perfect friend. The Gunn clan was and is a very strong and courageous lot and Betty exemplified that character trait. She was a fine person and was loved by all who knew her. Remember the good times with her! Love, Sandra, Don and Family
- Sandra Wilkinson Houck, Smith Mountain Lake 24121, Va
Betty was special. We send our sincere sympathy, love and prayers to you all. God Bless. Larry & Joan
- Kovalcik, Tallmadge, Ohio
I enjoyed knowing Betty and so admired her intelligence, honesty, sense of justice, and good will. My sincere condolences for your loss.
- Ardis Wood, Savannah, Ga
I am so sorry for your loss death is a very hard thing to bear , But did you know that Bible holds out a hope for a resurrection for our love ones?Well it dose please read John 5:28,29 this scripture will give family comfort and hope. Again I am sorry for your loss.
- Mary cooper, Savannah, Ga
Virginia & I are sadden by the loss of Betty. She was a great lady like everyone has expressed in their condolences. Virginia & I wish the family our sympathy and prayers.
- Gene & Virginia Spear Reinbach, Islamorada, Florida
She was a great woman she use to always make me laugh and smile she will be missed love you miss ms gunn I will miss you so much
- Natashia bright , Savannah , Ga
You will always be in our hearts you was a great woman like a mother to us we will never forget you very charitable a woman of God who loves to sing praise The Lord we will miss you so much. We thank God for you every day all the good times we had you will be missed We thank God for your support and presence you was such a great woman you did so many great things we was blessed just to know you we will continue to keep the family lifted up in prayer you are in our thoughts and prayers such a beautiful soul you will be truly missed we love you so much rest in peace ms Gunn we love you
- Shay&Chris Harris, Savannah , Ga
Bye, bye, Betty. We will miss you. Bob & Caren
- Clan Ross, Beaufort, SC
Remember her well, and so sorry we lost touch. I actually moved to NE Ga going into my Senior year, but she was a good friend through our Junior year. Betty was so smart and involved so much in all kinds of causes. She achieved so much that I desired and missed. God Bless her for all she did.
- Kitty (Watts) Barnett, Clayton, Ga
I am so sorry for your loss death is a very hard thing to bear , But did you know that Bible holds out a hope for a resurrection for our love ones?Well it dose please read John 5:28,29 this scripture will give family comfort and hope. Again I am sorry for your loss.
- Mary cooper, Savannah, Ga
What a wonderful life story. In high school, Betty was always the most active and dependable at any undertaking. It sounds as if she continued that way for her whole life. Blessings to all the family.
- Rex and Barbara, Davie, FL
I AM SAD. BETTY WAS A LONG, LONG TIME FRIEND....MOST INTERESTING AND FULL OF SPIRIT AND LOVE FOR LIFE. WE GO BACK TO CATHOLIC GRAMMAR SCHOOL AND HAVE NOT BEEN IN TOUCH A LOT BUT NEVER OUT OF TOUCH EITHER. WE HAD SI MUCH FUN AND GOOD MEMORIES TOGETHER AT THE OLD DRUG STORE WITH THE JUKE BOX AND SODA FOUNTAIN. WE LOVED DANCING THERE. MOSTLY JUST THE GIRLS. MAY GOD GRANT HER ETERNAL PEACE AND REST. LOVE PAULINE
- PAULINE ZALOOM SALOIS, PEMBROKE PINES, FL
While I will not be able to attend the funeral of my sister Betty Lois due to illness, I will be there in spirit. Thursday night my children and I had a private memorial service for Betty Lois and shared many photos and wonderful memories. Betty Lois and I rarely went a few days without talking on the phone, sometimes for hours.. We enjoyed my visits to her in Minneapolis and Savannah, along with her visits to me in SC. I know Betty Lois is in a much better place and is no longer suffering, but I will miss her greatly.
- Charlotte Gunn Smoak, Pinewood, SC
Betty was a longtime friend who surrounded herself with interesting people. She often hosted gatherings at her house and always enjoyed the lively conversation. She was my coworker and boss at the Hennepin County Home School in Minnesota and the Colonel never hesitated to take charge of the situation there, or elsewhere! We shared her love of dogs and the conversation often gravitated in that direction. Since her move to Savannah, her phone conversations included a myriad of topics that revealed her intelligence, her generous spirit and her belief in justice and fair play. All these characteristics will be missed. There will never be another "Betty". Love and sympathy to you from
- ken and Thelma Fricke, Eden Prairie, MN
Our deepest sympathy to the family of Betty Gunn. She is now at peace and in a better place. God bless, Chris and Don Dasher, Rev. George Saunders
- Chris & Don Dasher, Rev. George Saunders, Savannah, GA
We are deeply sadden at the loss of our loved one Aunt Betty. She was a gracious lady with a great wit about herself. She will be truly missed and we know that she is in a far better place now. She brought a very unique since of humor to every where she went and we all enjoyed her company. May she rest in peace.
- De Brocq's, Charlotte, NC
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We are sorry that we will be unable to attend the service but I am recovering from surgery. Betty and I were roommates at FSU. I will miss her and our lengthy phone calls.
- Cindy and Mike Overstreet, Valrico, Fl
I am grateful to have gotten to know Betty, if only over the phone. We had some wonderful conversations. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
- Anne Butler, Savannah, GA
Betty, my baby sister is a very strong and a very intelligent woman. She loved preparing for the yearly Gunn's family reunion and loved being around family. She called me almost everyday during her share of sickness and she always ended our conversation by telling me she loved me. I love you more Betty and I will miss you dearly. Rest in Peace baby sister. I love you more than you will ever know. We shall see each other again someday. Your brother, Jimmy
- James and Revelyn Gunn, Pompano Beach , Fl
Ms. Betty was always a gracious hostess to our family. Blessings and sympathy to her family. She will be missed.
- Scott & Cheryl Gunn, Warner Robins, Georgia
Ms. Betty was always a gracious hostess to our family. Blessings and sympathy to her family. She will be missed.
- Scott & Cheryl Gunn, Warner Robins, Georgia
It is our faith that gets us through the loss of someone so dear to our hearts. Betty Lois will remain in my fond memories forever. She was a very special cousin and perfect friend. The Gunn clan was and is a very strong and courageous lot and Betty exemplified that character trait. She was a fine person and was loved by all who knew her. Remember the good times with her! Love, Sandra, Don and Family
- Sandra Wilkinson Houck, Smith Mountain Lake 24121, Va
Betty was special. We send our sincere sympathy, love and prayers to you all. God Bless. Larry & Joan
- Kovalcik, Tallmadge, Ohio
I enjoyed knowing Betty and so admired her intelligence, honesty, sense of justice, and good will. My sincere condolences for your loss.
- Ardis Wood, Savannah, Ga
I am so sorry for your loss death is a very hard thing to bear , But did you know that Bible holds out a hope for a resurrection for our love ones?Well it dose please read John 5:28,29 this scripture will give family comfort and hope. Again I am sorry for your loss.
- Mary cooper, Savannah, Ga
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
