Celebrating the life of
Naomi Gnann LeBey
July 25, 1927 - June 01, 2012
Naomi Gnann LeBey
SAVANNAH - Naomi Gnann LeBey, 84, died peacefully at her home June 1 after a short illness. Naomi was born July 25, 1927 to Charles Andreu & Amy Gnann LeBey. ¬She attended Chatham County public schools and graduated from Iowa State University in 1949, earning a Bachelor of Science in Animal Husbandry. She returned to Savannah and worked at Herty Advanced Materials Development Center. An avid believer in continuing education, Naomi enrolled at Georgia Southern and earned a Masters Degree in Education. She taught Science at Chatham Junior High School and Jenkins High School, from where she retired in 1990. After retirement, she worked as a substitute teacher at Jenkins through 1996.
Naomi's love of learning was further exampled through her love of reading. She had a deep sense of patriotism and love of America, supported military causes, and took her civic responsibilities seriously, closely following politics on all levels. She was a lifetime member of the NRA.
Naomi's passion was horses. She received her first pony in grade school and never stopped riding and caring for her animals. From the sleekest Arabian to the rescued carnival pony, Naomi believed that every animal deserved a caring and loving home. In 1966, she attended Pennsylvania State University's Farrier Certification Program, learning horseshoeing. She mentored her niece, nephews, and the neighborhood children, teaching them to "properly care for your horse and have lots of fun!" Everyone "under her wings" learned showmanship styles including barrel racing, Western & English pleasure, English hunt seat, jumping, Dressage, and Arabian Costume.
Naomi is survived by her sister, Martha L. Lassiter, a cousin, Joan Coburn, a niece, Carla A. McKenzie Bill of Cherryvale, KS, two Nephews, Mike N. Lassiter Lori of Guyton, GA, Donald W. Lassiter Jodi of Chandler, AZ, and two great-nieces, Amanda Lara Lassiter and Courtney Elisabeth Lassiter of Chandler, AZ. She will be greatly missed by her extended family, David Wise, Linda Miller, Marjorie Edwards, Susan Thompson, and large group of family and friends.
Visitation will be Wednesday, June 6 from 5-8 p.m. at Fox and Weeks, Hodgson Memorial Chapel. A celebration of Naomi's life will be held Thursday, June 7 at 11:00 a.m. also at and Weeks, Hodgson Memorial Chapel. Burial will follow at Bonaventure Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent to Faith Equestrian Therapeutic Center, 243 Appaloosa Way, Guyton, GA 31312 or 1st Battalion 9th Marines Scholarship Fund, 66 Clinton Street, Meriden, CT 06450-4517. Please mark your donations in honor of Naomi LeBey.
Please sign our online guest book at www.foxandweeks.com
To the family of Ms. LeBey, My condolences are with you. Ms. LeBey was one of my teachers at Jenkins High School. Not many teachers make an impression like the one she made on me. She made science interesting and truly loved her job. I am glad I was fortunate enough to have a teacher like her. Sincerely, Shonna Anderson Jenkins High Class of '88
- Shonna Anderson, Hardeeville, SC
Martha, Karla, and family, I'm so sorry for your loss. I've known and loved Naomi for almost forty years, and would like you to know that your loss also leaves a loss in the hearts of those of us who knew and loved her.
- Cindy and Joe Evans, Brooklet, GA
Dear Mike and family, So sorry to hear of Naomi passing. I didn't know her well but know Chris thought so much of her. My prayers are with you at this time.
- Virginia Ubele White, Clyo, GA
From all the 'Mehlhorn' kids... We will miss Ms. LeBay and her special way she taught her students. She made learning a real pleasure. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Family at this time of loss.
- Trisha Mehlhorn Ferreira, Savannah, GA
What a woman! I did not know naomi well,we met thru her sis martha and niece carla at a couple of xmas tree gatherings. I read her obituary and learned many things I never knew...what an independent thinking woman.. a real achiever! She will be missed but always remembered by all who had the pleasure to know her.
- ira and nancy rackley, savannah, GA
To Martha and family- My sympathy to you all for the loss of this quiet caring person who held the Lebey family tradition high for so many years. Naomi was a long-time friend with a subtle sense of humor and many talents.She will be missed.
- Betsy Smith, Hilton Head Island, SC
To the family of Naomi Lebey, You are in my thoughts and Prayers. She has friends and students who are remembering her today. with my deepest sympathy, Peggy
- Peggy McCarthy, Savannah, GA
To the family of Ms. LeBey you are all in my prayers. She was a wonderful teacher and really made learning interesting.
- Lisa Snyder, Richmond Hill, GA
Naomi was a fine teacher and a good friend. I knew and loved her for years.
- Richard Powell, Savannah, GA
Naomi was a wonderful woman, unforgetable. I have fond memories of her from my childhood horse show days. Condolences to her family. It was a great pleasure having known her and her family.
- Carol Beasley, Garden City, GA
To the family of Ms. LeBey, My condolences are with you. Ms. LeBey was one of my teachers at Jenkins High School. Not many teachers make an impression like the one she made on me. She made science interesting and truly loved her job. I am glad I was fortunate enough to have a teacher like her. Sincerely, Shonna Anderson Jenkins High Class of '88
- Shonna Anderson, Hardeeville, SC
Martha, Karla, and family, I'm so sorry for your loss. I've known and loved Naomi for almost forty years, and would like you to know that your loss also leaves a loss in the hearts of those of us who knew and loved her.
- Cindy and Joe Evans, Brooklet, GA
Dear Mike and family, So sorry to hear of Naomi passing. I didn't know her well but know Chris thought so much of her. My prayers are with you at this time.
- Virginia Ubele White, Clyo, GA
From all the 'Mehlhorn' kids... We will miss Ms. LeBay and her special way she taught her students. She made learning a real pleasure. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Family at this time of loss.
- Trisha Mehlhorn Ferreira, Savannah, GA
What a woman! I did not know naomi well,we met thru her sis martha and niece carla at a couple of xmas tree gatherings. I read her obituary and learned many things I never knew...what an independent thinking woman.. a real achiever! She will be missed but always remembered by all who had the pleasure to know her.
- ira and nancy rackley, savannah, GA
To Martha and family- My sympathy to you all for the loss of this quiet caring person who held the Lebey family tradition high for so many years. Naomi was a long-time friend with a subtle sense of humor and many talents.She will be missed.
- Betsy Smith, Hilton Head Island, SC
To the family of Naomi Lebey, You are in my thoughts and Prayers. She has friends and students who are remembering her today. with my deepest sympathy, Peggy
- Peggy McCarthy, Savannah, GA
To the family of Ms. LeBey you are all in my prayers. She was a wonderful teacher and really made learning interesting.
- Lisa Snyder, Richmond Hill, GA
Naomi was a fine teacher and a good friend. I knew and loved her for years.
- Richard Powell, Savannah, GA
Naomi was a wonderful woman, unforgetable. I have fond memories of her from my childhood horse show days. Condolences to her family. It was a great pleasure having known her and her family.
- Carol Beasley, Garden City, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
