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Celebrating the life of
Jeanette Leavy "Tiger" Orrel Stiles
October 21, 1940 - May 01, 2019
Tiger was vibrant, fierce, loyal to a fault, generous, kind, loving, and tenacious. She loved to laugh, could crush you at Jeopardy, and never gave up trying to grow plants and vegetables which frequently died from a hilariously rare or invasive plague.
Jeanette Leavy “Tiger” Orrel Stiles died May 1, 2019 at home under the care of Hospice Savannah surrounded by her loving family.
She was born October 21, 1940 in Savannah to Marvin Cooper Orrel, Sr, and Lillian Cecile Nieuwstraten Orrel. Other than a 5 year stint in Atlanta in the early seventies, she lived her entire life in her beloved hometown, Savannah.
Tiger graduated from Savannah High in 1958. She was a member of the inaugural graduating class of registered nurses from Memorial Hospital in 1962. In the late 1970’s, she transitioned from RN to Perfusionist. She was proud to write the letters CCP (certified cardiovascular perfusionist) after her name, from the time she attained her licensure to when she retired in 2009. Because she found staying home too boring, she quickly returned to Memorial in a new role, this time to work in central supply. She finally hung up her scrubs for good in December 2017, officially retiring from nursing after 55 years.
She was an avid and talented cook, collector of kitchen gadgets and book lover. She loved eating good food as much as making it and could always be counted on to help clean any leftovers off your plate. At the age of 70, she stunned everyone when she decided to get in the best shape of her life through a new found commitment to healthy eating and exercise. Over the next 4 years, through hard work, fierce determination and with the help of her trainer, she successfully lost 85 pounds while becoming fit and strong. Every day after work she could be seen at the gym pounding out miles on the treadmill and making the younger generation look bad with her TRX skills.
She loved to laugh, could crush you at Jeopardy, and never gave up trying to grow plants and vegetables which frequently died from a hilariously rare or invasive plague. Throughout her life, she truly embodied her lifelong nickname “Tiger.” She was vibrant, fierce, loyal to a fault, generous, kind, loving, and tenacious. She championed the underdog and hated a bully. She had a quick wit and wasn’t afraid to speak her mind. During her 4 year battle with cholangiocarcinoma, she exemplified strength, grace, and resiliency. There really are no words to describe the void left by her passing. She will be missed daily and never forgotten.
Surviving are her daughters, Shannon Bosque and Michele Adams (Kevin); her grandchildren, Matthew Bosque (Brooke Edwards), Dr. Ryann Cowart (Rich Gray), Austin Bosque, Alexander Bosque, Tyler Twibell (Brian), Kamryn Adams, and Landyn Adams; her siblings Stormsie Jenkins, Cookie Orrel (Penny), Vivian Orrel-Ryals (Jerome Ryals), Mindy Lamaak (Orv), Charles Orrel (Kathy Taylor), and Marion Orrel; five nieces and nine nephews; and her beloved rescue rottweiler, Max.
The family will receive friends from 11:00am until 12:00pm on Saturday, May 18, 2019 at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel. There will be a Celebration of Life service immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Tiger’s honor to your local humane society or to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation for cancer research.
My condolences to the family. Remembering Tiger's gentle smile,her kind advice and her willingness to help out,whether in the OR or SPD.She was a gem.RIP Jeanette. ????????????????
- Sandra Dunham, Hardeeville , S.C
Love and sympathy to Tiger’s family. She will be missed very much by us. She was one of a kind, and one of my dearest friends & confidant. We shared so much together, and will surely miss her. Love & prayers for all of you.
- Scarlett & Russ Thayer, Clemson, SC
Tiger was a wise woman! Tiger was always willing to lend a helping hand wherever she could. I will remember her from Memorial's O.R and CSP, she made a difference! Prayers to her family! RIHP Tiger!
- Waltien Miller-Cope, Savannah ,
Had of pleasure of having Tiger for a friend since 1979. I will miss seeing her whenever I get to Savannah. A southern treasure.
- Linda winters, Sun City Center, Fl
There is nothing I can say to express how sad I am that Tiger is gone. Tiger, just know that you were loved by me and many others; you will never, ever be forgotten.
- Todd Bulboff, Pooler, Ga
This world will not be the same without Tiger. I knew her for only ten years but she was an unforgettable force, and I loved her for being who she was. I’m so sorry for the loss so many are feeling.
- , ,
So sorry for the loss of my friend "Tiger", she will be missed greatly.
- SANDRA CLARK, SAVANNAH, GA
Michelle, I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Wishing you peace, Margaret Mims
- Mahany Embly Mims, Sunrise, FL
Marvin and family, our hearts and prayers go out for you all at this time of great loss. Perry LynesFormerly of Savannah.
- Perry Lynes, Ellijay , Ga
Love to Tiger’s family. She embodied a Savannah style that was spicy yet caring. Thank you Tiger for bringing two amazing women into the world. Having Shannon as a friend is a guaranteed opportunity to smile and laugh.
- Laura Ike, Newingtin, GA
Our precious Tiger. Never complained, always smiled even through the toughest battle. Tenacious, kind and fiesty. Oh how we all love and respected this woman. I learned so many things from her. What a true friend is, how to love and accept others for who they were. How to make the best lemon cake ever. How to talk about books, religion etc. she loved her family more than anything, and they loved her back. We will never forget her, will always miss her, and will always smile when we think of her. RIP sweet lady. Much love and adoration. Weezie
- Louise Williams, Brooklet, Ga
My condolences to the family. Remembering Tiger's gentle smile,her kind advice and her willingness to help out,whether in the OR or SPD.She was a gem.RIP Jeanette. ????????????????
- Sandra Dunham, Hardeeville , S.C
Love and sympathy to Tiger’s family. She will be missed very much by us. She was one of a kind, and one of my dearest friends & confidant. We shared so much together, and will surely miss her. Love & prayers for all of you.
- Scarlett & Russ Thayer, Clemson, SC
A candle has been lit!
- olyn Emerick , Georg
Tiger was a wise woman! Tiger was always willing to lend a helping hand wherever she could. I will remember her from Memorial's O.R and CSP, she made a difference! Prayers to her family! RIHP Tiger!
- Waltien Miller-Cope, Savannah ,
A candle has been lit!
- Julia and Alex Higdon , North Caro
Had of pleasure of having Tiger for a friend since 1979. I will miss seeing her whenever I get to Savannah. A southern treasure.
- Linda winters, Sun City Center, Fl
A candle has been lit!
- Debbie hattrich , Georg
There is nothing I can say to express how sad I am that Tiger is gone. Tiger, just know that you were loved by me and many others; you will never, ever be forgotten.
- Todd Bulboff, Pooler, Ga
This world will not be the same without Tiger. I knew her for only ten years but she was an unforgettable force, and I loved her for being who she was. I’m so sorry for the loss so many are feeling.
- , ,
So sorry for the loss of my friend "Tiger", she will be missed greatly.
- SANDRA CLARK, SAVANNAH, GA
A candle has been lit!
- hia Sitgreaves , Georg
Michelle, I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Wishing you peace, Margaret Mims
- Mahany Embly Mims, Sunrise, FL
Marvin and family, our hearts and prayers go out for you all at this time of great loss. Perry LynesFormerly of Savannah.
- Perry Lynes, Ellijay , Ga
Love to Tiger’s family. She embodied a Savannah style that was spicy yet caring. Thank you Tiger for bringing two amazing women into the world. Having Shannon as a friend is a guaranteed opportunity to smile and laugh.
- Laura Ike, Newingtin, GA
Our precious Tiger. Never complained, always smiled even through the toughest battle. Tenacious, kind and fiesty. Oh how we all love and respected this woman. I learned so many things from her. What a true friend is, how to love and accept others for who they were. How to make the best lemon cake ever. How to talk about books, religion etc. she loved her family more than anything, and they loved her back. We will never forget her, will always miss her, and will always smile when we think of her. RIP sweet lady. Much love and adoration. Weezie
- Louise Williams, Brooklet, Ga
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200