Celebrating the life of
Emily Amburgey Pidgeon
April 02, 1924 - October 03, 2013
Savannah -Emily Amburgey Pidgeon was born in Leaksville now Eden, North Carolina, on April 2, 1924, and died on October 3, 2013, in Savannah, Georgia. She was valedictorian of her school graduating class and graduated from Salem College cum laude with a BA in English. While at Salem, she was a member of National Honor Society and Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.
Emily was a devoted member of Wesley Monumental Methodist Church which she would readily tell you was the best church with the best choir, no matter where you attended. She was past president of United Methodist Women at Wesley and a member of the Administrative Board. For many years, she was a member of Board of Directors of Savannah Chapter of America Red Cross. She served as vice-chairman of volunteers and gave orientation for the Candy Stripers. While a member of the Auxiliary to the Georgia Medical Society, she was one of the co-organizers of Memorial Hospital's adult volunteers. She worked with the St. Joseph's Hospital Auxiliary, and she was a volunteer at St. Joseph's Hospital. She was a member of Historic Savannah Foundation, Telfair Academy of Art Museum, and The 100 associated with Backus Children's Hospital. She was a past member of Savannah Symphony Women's Guild, and a charter member of The Savannah Friends of Music. She was always a strong supporter of the Coastal Jazz Association and the Humane Society of Savannah. One of her greatest joys was serving as a commissioner on The Savannah Park & Tree Commission.
Emily was named Emily Whittemore Harris. She was predeceased by her parents Skidmore Marvin Harris and Ursa Whittemore Harris, and her first husband Dr. Thomas Arthur Amburgey. She is survived by her husband, Charles Wendell Pidgeon. She is also survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Thomas Michael Amburgey and his wife Kathleen, a daughter and son-in-law, Susan Amburgey Donahue and her husband Dr. Michael Eugene Donahue, five grandchildren, Thomas Paul Reeves and his wife Katie, Leigh Amburgey Russell and her husband John, Thomas Stephen Amburgey and his wife Hilary, Stephen Michael Amburgey, and Thomas Michael Donahue. At family gatherings confusion reigned anytime Emily called out for a Thomas or a Michael. She is also survived by two great-grandchildren, Peyton Reeves, and Thatcher Reeves, and two step-children, Barry Pidgeon and his wife Debbie, and Virginia Ross and her husband Rusty.
The family will receive friends on Sunday from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel.
Funeral services will be held Monday at 11:00 a.m. at Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, please send any special stories you have about Emily to Susan Donahue, 6 Old South Lane, Savannah, Georgia 31411 donahue03@bellsouth.net or to
Michael Amburgey, 505 Moon River Court, Savannah, GA 31406 mamburgey505@gmail.com
Being a distant relative, although by blood, my personal encounters with Emily can be counted on one hand. One story that comes to mind though - when visitIng her overnight once around 2002, in transit to a wedding in Florida, she took note of my choice of shirt and tie. 'Did you choose that yourself?' Seeing that she had a good eye, I immediately replied 'Yes' with only a slight pause. Well I lied, I'd had the combination chosen for me buy an old school sales assistant at a decent shop for men rare these days?. Why did I do it? Probably didn't fool her anyway hmm.
- Kurt Austin, Hobart, - Other
I am a current student of Mrs. Susan Donahue. I did not know Ms. Emily in this life, but my mom read me her obituary and her daughter, Susan, is a light unto the people around her, like Ms. Emily. I pray that God will provide comfort for all of Ms. Emily's remaining family, here on earth. The ones who have already received her in Heaven are celebrating with her and awaiting each of you for the heavenly family reunion. Love, Ethan
- Ethan Faudree, Savannah, GA
There will never be another Emily. Yes she was a true Southern Bell but also had this wonderful side of her filled with mischief and laughter. She had a way of making us feel so special when she in fact was the special one. I will miss u dearest Emily more than I can say. U were such a bright spot in my life So warm so loving and so strong. I cherish the memories we have and will miss ur warm beautiful smile. Most of all I will miss that sparkle in ur eyes. Rest my loving friend until we meet again. We can eat meatballs til the cows come home. Carolyn
- Carolyn Crippen, Boone, NC
There will never be another Emily. Yes she was a true Southern Bell but also had this wonderful side of her filled with mischief and laughter. She had a way of making us feel so special when she in fact was the special one. I will miss u dearest Emily more than I can say. U were such a bright spot in my life So warm so loving and so strong. I cherish the memories we have and will miss ur warm beautiful smile. Most of all I will miss that sparkle in ur eyes. Rest my loving friend until we meet again. We can eat meatballs til the cows come home. Carolyn
- Carolyn Crippen, Boone, NC
I have never met anyone like Emily. Every moment I spent with her was bursting with life. Thank you, Emily for so many lessons you shared without knowing it. -Sabrina from Buckingham South
- Sabrina Rabhan, Savannah, GA
Emily was always a bright, happy face among our Park & Tree Commissioners. She loved trees and Savannah. I will miss her.
- robin quaile, savannah, GA
Dearest Amburgey Family, I am a former student of Susan and Michael Amburgey. I used to babysit Paul for Susan as a teenager. I remember going to Mrs. Amburgey's lovely home for the end of the school year pool party. Her hospitality was sincere and gracious. She was a beautiful woman and am honored to have known her. My sincerest condolences.
- Sherry Romansky Spencer, Kissimmee, FL
When we bought our home on Powderhorn Mountain, Emily gathered us up along with her entourage of friends, and immediately welcomed us into her home and heart. We weren't so much invited, as told that ' cocktails would be served at 6 and we didn't need to bring anything' . Many concerts, dinners out, home cooked meals, cocktails, and walks all became a standard thing whenever we were on the mountain together. Emily was one of those rare people that you meet during your lifetime, that you will never ever forget. The truest of southern belles ! Rest in Peace 'Sweet Emily'. We love you and will forever miss you in our lives!! â¤
- Mark and Debra Wehrenberg, Long Valley, NJ
There will never be another Emily! She was truly a Southern Belle and a wonderful friend that we and others on Powder Horn Mtn will miss. We have fond memories of Charles and Emily during cocktails at Pidgeon's Roost, cookouts, concerts, walks on the mtn and dinners in town. We were always welcome in her home in Savannah during our trips to Florida as a stopping point. Emily's love for animals and wildlife was apparent on Powder Horn as she looked forward to feeding the deer and visiting with Brandy and Ginger. Emily, we miss you and will always be proud to call you our friend.
- Rusty and Marcia Reed, Deep Gap, NC
Dad I am sorry for your loss of Emily, I will remember her most of all for the yellow roses she would walk down the street to give me. I Love you Dad, Tina Pidgeon
- Tina Pidgeon, Savannah, GA
Our hearts are heavy,but we do have many wonderful memories.
- Roger/Gloria Thorson, Deep Gap, NC
Our hearts are heavy,but we do have many wonderful memories.
- Roger/Gloria Thorson, Deep Gap, NC
Emily was the first person to darken our doorway when we bought our cabin at Powder Horn Mountain. She was inviting us to drinks and snacks at the Pidgeon's the next night. That began a wonderful friendship with beautiful people. We will so miss hearing her voice through the woods, and together with other neighbors. Emily was the true lady of ladies - a southern bell from beginning to end. Rest in peace, our dear sweet friend. We love you, Linda and Larry
- Linda and Larry Lovvorn, New Bern, NC
I am so sorry for your loss. Emily was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother. I will miss her dearly. I am blessed to have known her. I love you all, Carrie Braddock
- Carrie Braddock, Richmond Hill, GA
I am saddened to hear of Ms. Emily's passing. Some of the best years of my life were spent living in the poolhouse. I will miss her smile, quick wit and kindness. I learned a lot about living a full and happy life from watching her.
- Christina Ahlstrom Beslin, Statesboro, GA
Like Emily, I was born in Leaksville, NC in April of 1924. She and I attended kindergarten, grade school and high school together graduating in 1941. We attended dance school, card playing, correct manners and all the other things mothers thought we should do while growing up. For a small town, we found a lot to do such as skating, bike riding, playing cowboys and Indians, card games, and attending the 10 cent movie with Flash Gordon, Tom Mix, and cartoons accompanied by a coke and pop corn. Life was good. Back then, we had more snow and the copone would block off Patrick St. for us to slide down. After my 21 years in the Air Force, a second marriage, and a move to Beaufort, SC in '73, I reconnected with Emily through the Scottish Games. We made several trips to Leaksville together to attend class reunions. With the passing of Emily, there are not many of us left. I will miss her.
- Ray Stocks, Beaufort, SC
Emily was a one-of-a-kind treasure. In my 64+ years! I've never known such a witty, gracious, fun-loving, smart, warm hearted, generous, true Southern Belle. She warmly welcomed us when we moved to Powder Horn Mountain in July 2004 and immediately adopted us as her friends. She and Charles hosted us at their home in Savannah, showing us that wonderful city as only they could. John and I have been honored by God to have her presence in our lives. Susan Corey
- Susan and John Corey, Deep Gap, NC
Being a distant relative, although by blood, my personal encounters with Emily can be counted on one hand. One story that comes to mind though - when visitIng her overnight once around 2002, in transit to a wedding in Florida, she took note of my choice of shirt and tie. 'Did you choose that yourself?' Seeing that she had a good eye, I immediately replied 'Yes' with only a slight pause. Well I lied, I'd had the combination chosen for me buy an old school sales assistant at a decent shop for men rare these days?. Why did I do it? Probably didn't fool her anyway hmm.
- Kurt Austin, Hobart, - Other -
I am a current student of Mrs. Susan Donahue. I did not know Ms. Emily in this life, but my mom read me her obituary and her daughter, Susan, is a light unto the people around her, like Ms. Emily. I pray that God will provide comfort for all of Ms. Emily's remaining family, here on earth. The ones who have already received her in Heaven are celebrating with her and awaiting each of you for the heavenly family reunion. Love, Ethan
- Ethan Faudree, Savannah, GA
There will never be another Emily. Yes she was a true Southern Bell but also had this wonderful side of her filled with mischief and laughter. She had a way of making us feel so special when she in fact was the special one. I will miss u dearest Emily more than I can say. U were such a bright spot in my life So warm so loving and so strong. I cherish the memories we have and will miss ur warm beautiful smile. Most of all I will miss that sparkle in ur eyes. Rest my loving friend until we meet again. We can eat meatballs til the cows come home. Carolyn
- Carolyn Crippen, Boone, NC
There will never be another Emily. Yes she was a true Southern Bell but also had this wonderful side of her filled with mischief and laughter. She had a way of making us feel so special when she in fact was the special one. I will miss u dearest Emily more than I can say. U were such a bright spot in my life So warm so loving and so strong. I cherish the memories we have and will miss ur warm beautiful smile. Most of all I will miss that sparkle in ur eyes. Rest my loving friend until we meet again. We can eat meatballs til the cows come home. Carolyn
- Carolyn Crippen, Boone, NC
I have never met anyone like Emily. Every moment I spent with her was bursting with life. Thank you, Emily for so many lessons you shared without knowing it. -Sabrina from Buckingham South
- Sabrina Rabhan, Savannah, GA
Emily was always a bright, happy face among our Park & Tree Commissioners. She loved trees and Savannah. I will miss her.
- robin quaile, savannah, GA
Dearest Amburgey Family, I am a former student of Susan and Michael Amburgey. I used to babysit Paul for Susan as a teenager. I remember going to Mrs. Amburgey's lovely home for the end of the school year pool party. Her hospitality was sincere and gracious. She was a beautiful woman and am honored to have known her. My sincerest condolences.
- Sherry Romansky Spencer, Kissimmee, FL
When we bought our home on Powderhorn Mountain, Emily gathered us up along with her entourage of friends, and immediately welcomed us into her home and heart. We weren't so much invited, as told that ' cocktails would be served at 6 and we didn't need to bring anything' . Many concerts, dinners out, home cooked meals, cocktails, and walks all became a standard thing whenever we were on the mountain together. Emily was one of those rare people that you meet during your lifetime, that you will never ever forget. The truest of southern belles ! Rest in Peace 'Sweet Emily'. We love you and will forever miss you in our lives!! â¤
- Mark and Debra Wehrenberg, Long Valley, NJ
There will never be another Emily! She was truly a Southern Belle and a wonderful friend that we and others on Powder Horn Mtn will miss. We have fond memories of Charles and Emily during cocktails at Pidgeon's Roost, cookouts, concerts, walks on the mtn and dinners in town. We were always welcome in her home in Savannah during our trips to Florida as a stopping point. Emily's love for animals and wildlife was apparent on Powder Horn as she looked forward to feeding the deer and visiting with Brandy and Ginger. Emily, we miss you and will always be proud to call you our friend.
- Rusty and Marcia Reed, Deep Gap, NC
Dad I am sorry for your loss of Emily, I will remember her most of all for the yellow roses she would walk down the street to give me. I Love you Dad, Tina Pidgeon
- Tina Pidgeon, Savannah, GA
Our hearts are heavy,but we do have many wonderful memories.
- Roger/Gloria Thorson, Deep Gap, NC
Our hearts are heavy,but we do have many wonderful memories.
- Roger/Gloria Thorson, Deep Gap, NC
Emily was the first person to darken our doorway when we bought our cabin at Powder Horn Mountain. She was inviting us to drinks and snacks at the Pidgeon's the next night. That began a wonderful friendship with beautiful people. We will so miss hearing her voice through the woods, and together with other neighbors. Emily was the true lady of ladies - a southern bell from beginning to end. Rest in peace, our dear sweet friend. We love you, Linda and Larry
- Linda and Larry Lovvorn, New Bern, NC
I am so sorry for your loss. Emily was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother. I will miss her dearly. I am blessed to have known her. I love you all, Carrie Braddock
- Carrie Braddock, Richmond Hill, GA
I am saddened to hear of Ms. Emily's passing. Some of the best years of my life were spent living in the poolhouse. I will miss her smile, quick wit and kindness. I learned a lot about living a full and happy life from watching her.
- Christina Ahlstrom Beslin, Statesboro, GA
Like Emily, I was born in Leaksville, NC in April of 1924. She and I attended kindergarten, grade school and high school together graduating in 1941. We attended dance school, card playing, correct manners and all the other things mothers thought we should do while growing up. For a small town, we found a lot to do such as skating, bike riding, playing cowboys and Indians, card games, and attending the 10 cent movie with Flash Gordon, Tom Mix, and cartoons accompanied by a coke and pop corn. Life was good. Back then, we had more snow and the copone would block off Patrick St. for us to slide down. After my 21 years in the Air Force, a second marriage, and a move to Beaufort, SC in '73, I reconnected with Emily through the Scottish Games. We made several trips to Leaksville together to attend class reunions. With the passing of Emily, there are not many of us left. I will miss her.
- Ray Stocks, Beaufort, SC
Emily was a one-of-a-kind treasure. In my 64+ years! I've never known such a witty, gracious, fun-loving, smart, warm hearted, generous, true Southern Belle. She warmly welcomed us when we moved to Powder Horn Mountain in July 2004 and immediately adopted us as her friends. She and Charles hosted us at their home in Savannah, showing us that wonderful city as only they could. John and I have been honored by God to have her presence in our lives. Susan Corey
- Susan and John Corey, Deep Gap, NC
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
