Celebrating the life of
Adelaide Spencer Edleman
September 14, 1910 - August 19, 2009
Adelaide Spencer Edleman
Less than a month short of beginning her 100th year, Adelaide Elizabeth Spencer Edleman died in hospice care on Wednesday afternoon, August 19, 2009. Affectionately known as "Tot" to her family and friends in her early life, Adelaide was born in Savannah on September 14, 1910, the second daughter of Frank Wilson Spencer and Otelia Buckshaw.
She attended public schools in Savannah, graduating from Savannah High School, then located downtown, in 1927. She graduated from Georgia State Women's College in Valdosta where she was a principal member of the Sororian Literary Society.
On Christmas Day, 1934, she married the late Samuel Warren Edleman of Savannah in St. John's Episcopal Church where she was a life long member. Despite the economic challenges of the depression era and the beginning of World War II, Adelaide and her husband raised a family of five sons at their East 48th Street home where, despite his failing health, they celebrated their 50th Anniversary in 1984.
When she was still in good health, Adelaide enjoyed frequent trips to visit her out-of-town sons and their families. She was an avid reader and seldom missed favorite television programs. As a resident at John Wesley Villas on the southside, and later at Summer Breeze on Wilmington Island, she looked forward to the regular bible study programs and the special entertainment events held each week.
Survivors include her youngest sister, Jean Spencer Henry; four sons, Samuel Warren Jr., Spencer Long, Benjamin Cord and Robert Daniel. Her fourth son, Eugene Barry, died in 1993. Among the other survivors are 12 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, and one great-great granddaughter.
A private burial is being arranged through Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel.
Rest in peace Grandmommie Tot. I will cherish fond memories of my visits to see you over the years with my brothers, Cord and Jack, and recently my own family. In particular the Summer vacations in the 1970's and early 1980's to the house on 48th Street and the 'Beach house'. I am glad my daughter Danika got to meet you, but sorry my youngest nephew was unable to. Love always and forever to you Grand Mother. Your grandson, Daniel
- Daniel F. Edleman, Raleigh, NC
With sympathy, David Sipple
- David F. Sipple, Savannah, GA
I am so glad to have known Grandmommie Tot and always enjoyed our visits over the years. She is a very special soul. I am also glad she was able to meet her Great-granddaughter, Danika a few weeks ago. It is as if she was waiting to meet her before going on her journey home. Daniel and I will never forget her gently touching Danika's cheek and smiling at her and Danika smiling back as they looked into each others' eyes as we said our final goodbyes.
- Beverly K. Duncan-Edleman, Raleigh, NC
Mrs. Edleman was such an interesting lady. I liked her very much. I lost touch over the years, but I remember her fondly in our 48th Street neighborhood. I think she and my mother tied for having the most children. I was the oldest child and married very young so I did not know her younger children well. My sympathy to your family on your loss. My mother died in 1986 and I still miss her but I take comfort that she is with the Lord as I'm sure her family does the same. God's Blessings. Ann Booker Mackey.
- Ann Booker Mackey, Savannah, GA
Sam,Spencer,Ben,Robert & Slej, I am so sorry to hear of your Mother & Grandmother's passing. My fondest memories of her,are the old days in the 50's & 60's when she would be at the back door always calling for one of you some one did something wrong & of course all those Chickens & Parakeets you guys had to take care of, Feathers every where. She was a great person,Mom & Grandmother.My Thoughts & Prayers are with you all.
- Stanton Seckinger Harmon, Bluffton, SC
I will miss Grand Mommie Tot for all of my days. She was the worst cook but she taught me that other things were more important than Brussels Sprouts. I am sorry that she did not get to see my youngest son Brock. God will take care of her now that she is in his loving arms. God rest her soul, Love Jack Warren Edleman
- Jack W Edleman, Richmond, VA
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Cheers to long life! Kris
- Kris Edleman, Savannah, GA
Dear Sam, Spencer, Ben and Robert, Thanks so much for letting us know about Aunt Tot's passing. We extend our deepest sympathy. Love Frances and Lewis
- Frances and Lewis Whittle, aiken, SC
Rest in peace Grandmommie Tot. I will cherish fond memories of my visits to see you over the years with my brothers, Cord and Jack, and recently my own family. In particular the Summer vacations in the 1970's and early 1980's to the house on 48th Street and the 'Beach house'. I am glad my daughter Danika got to meet you, but sorry my youngest nephew was unable to. Love always and forever to you Grand Mother. Your grandson, Daniel
- Daniel F. Edleman, Raleigh, NC
With sympathy, David Sipple
- David F. Sipple, Savannah, GA
I am so glad to have known Grandmommie Tot and always enjoyed our visits over the years. She is a very special soul. I am also glad she was able to meet her Great-granddaughter, Danika a few weeks ago. It is as if she was waiting to meet her before going on her journey home. Daniel and I will never forget her gently touching Danika's cheek and smiling at her and Danika smiling back as they looked into each others' eyes as we said our final goodbyes.
- Beverly K. Duncan-Edleman, Raleigh, NC
Mrs. Edleman was such an interesting lady. I liked her very much. I lost touch over the years, but I remember her fondly in our 48th Street neighborhood. I think she and my mother tied for having the most children. I was the oldest child and married very young so I did not know her younger children well. My sympathy to your family on your loss. My mother died in 1986 and I still miss her but I take comfort that she is with the Lord as I'm sure her family does the same. God's Blessings. Ann Booker Mackey.
- Ann Booker Mackey, Savannah, GA
Sam,Spencer,Ben,Robert & Slej, I am so sorry to hear of your Mother & Grandmother's passing. My fondest memories of her,are the old days in the 50's & 60's when she would be at the back door always calling for one of you some one did something wrong & of course all those Chickens & Parakeets you guys had to take care of, Feathers every where. She was a great person,Mom & Grandmother.My Thoughts & Prayers are with you all.
- Stanton Seckinger Harmon, Bluffton, SC
I will miss Grand Mommie Tot for all of my days. She was the worst cook but she taught me that other things were more important than Brussels Sprouts. I am sorry that she did not get to see my youngest son Brock. God will take care of her now that she is in his loving arms. God rest her soul, Love Jack Warren Edleman
- Jack W Edleman, Richmond, VA
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Cheers to long life! Kris
- Kris Edleman, Savannah, GA
Dear Sam, Spencer, Ben and Robert, Thanks so much for letting us know about Aunt Tot's passing. We extend our deepest sympathy. Love Frances and Lewis
- Frances and Lewis Whittle, aiken, SC
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
