Obituaries
Robert (Bobby) Leon Sturgess SEP 11, 1954 - FEB 25, 2021
Robert “Bobby” Leon Sturgess entered in to eternal life on Thursday, February 25, 2021. He was 66 years old. Bobby was born September 11, 1954 in Savannah to the late Helen and Julian Sturgess. The lifelong resident of Savannah was a 1973 graduate of Jenkins High School. Bobby Sturgess was truly something special to everyone he knew; Bobby never met a stranger and his desire to help and his knowledge of how to get things done was only surpassed by his ability to see the good in everyone. Bobby did not see color, status, or background… Bobby only saw the person. ...
Sandra Diane Craig DEC 19, 1952 - FEB 25, 2021
Sandra Diane Craig, 68, died peacefully on Thursday, February 25, 2021. surrounded by her loving family. Sandra was born in Savannah, Georgia, the only daughter of Jimmy and Rosa Towson. She attended Savannah Vocational Technical College and received her GED, then continued on to get her LPN nursing license. Her main job focus was dialysis patients. She retired after 25 years. In additional to leaving behind her significant other Gerald Griffin of 30 years, she leaves behind her daughter, Tonya Craig and son-in-law, Harold Young; brother Johnny Towson and sister-in-law, Terry Towson; bro ...
Hatem Hussein El-Khalidi - FEB 24, 2021
Hatem Hussein El-Khalidi, age 96, passed away peacefully February 24, 2021. He was born in Jerusalem, Palestine, September 14th, 1924. His father was Dr. Hussein Fakhri El-Khalidi, mayor of Jerusalem, and his mother was Wahide Fatimah El-Khalidi. Hatem came to the United States and received his Master’s Degree in geology from Michigan State University. His love of geology took him from the Wolverine Mountains in Michigan to the bayous of Louisiana with his late wife, Vivian Sumaya Ayoubee, El-Khalidi, and their three children. His work led him ...
Gloria Ann Crawford Fortson APR 18, 1941 - FEB 24, 2021
Gloria Ann Crawford Fortson “Mema”, 79 of Savannah, passed away on February 24, 2021, due to complications from Covid. Gloria was born April 18, 1941 to parents, Shelley Hamilton Crawford and Alva Bell Crawford in Savannah. She graduated from St. Vincent’s Academy in 1959 and received her nursing degree from Fayetteville Technical Institute. Gloria married Ivan Miles Forston Sr. on July 23, 1960, in Ridgeland, SC. In addition to her parents, Gloria was predeceased by a brother, Shelley "Buddy" Crawford and a sister, Shirley Delorenzo. ...
Katrina "Kay" Faye Karr DEC 09, 1944 - FEB 23, 2021
Katrina Faye Karr, 76, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Tuesday, February 23, 2021. Katrina, known by family and friends as “Kay”, was born and raised in Birmingham, AL. She was the seventh of nine children born to William and Grace Lindsay. In the mid 1960’s Kay, along with her mother and most of her brothers and sisters, moved to the Savannah area to start a new life. She would eventually retire in 1996 from AT&T where she had worked as a long distance telephone operator, beginning with Southern Bell in the 1970’s. She was a popular ...
Camille Ross Ward - FEB 23, 2021
Camille Ross Ward, 80, passed away Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at Candler Hospital. She was born December 29, 1940 in Savannah. She was a longtime resident of Tybee Island, where she worked at the YMCA, and the Kroger on Wilmington Island. Mrs. Ward was a former member of Trinity United Methodist Church on Tybee, and attended the Islands Assembly of God on Whitemarsh Island. She was a member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, Beta Kappa chapter, and was a 1958 graduate of Savannah High School. She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Lee Ward, Sr., and her ...
Gary Lee Brewer JUL 31, 1938 - FEB 23, 2021
Mr. Gary Lee Brewer, age 82, passed away February 23, 2021. Gary was born July 31, 1938 in Los Angeles, California. He graduated with a degree in Industrial Engineering from Stanford University in 1960 and was in the U. S. Marine Corps from 1960 until his discharge as a Captain in 1963. He attended UCLA graduate school for a master’s in business administration from 1963 to 1965, and then joined IBM where he worked, including a six-and-a-half-year stint in Tokyo, for more than 30 years. After retirement he continued consulting for IBM for another 20 years. Before living at The Landings, h ...
Joan Forrester Christian FEB 12, 1932 - FEB 23, 2021
Joan Forrester Christian, 89, died peacefully on Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at Memorial University Medical Center. Her son Tony was by her side. The Philadelphia, PA native was born on February 12, 1932 to the late Marvin S. and Henrietta Forrester. Joan was married the late Joseph Gorham Christian for more than 38 years and was a nurse at St. Joseph’s Hospital for more than 21 years. In addition to her parents and husband, Joan was predeceased by a sister, Barbara Forrester Hebert, and brother, Marvin Philip Forrester. In addition to her son Tony, Joan leaves behind a ...
Sandra Elaine "Sandy" Keller JAN 28, 1943 - FEB 22, 2021
Sandra Elaine “Sandy” Keller, 78, passed away on Monday, February 22, 2021 at home surrounded by her loving family after a long battle with cancer and other illnesses. Sandy was born in Spartanburg, SC on January 28, 1943 to parents, John and Florence Roberts. Her father was a career Army officer, so Sandy travelled extensively in her youth, living in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Austria, Japan, and Alaska prior to graduating from Cathedral Latin Catholic High School in Raleigh, NC in June 1960. She worked as a secretary prior to marrying her high school ...
James Edward McAleer, Jr. - FEB 20, 2021
James Edward McAleer, Jr. of Savannah passed away at home on February 20, 2021. Jim was born in Savannah in 1927. He attended public schools, but left high school at age 17 to join the Marine Corps. He returned home after the end of the Second World War, went back to school, then enrolled in Armstrong College and also attended law classes at night, studying under Mr. Gilbert Johnson. He was activated in August of 1950 with Dog Company, 10th Infantry Battalion, United States Marine Corps Reserve, and served in Korea, including the Chosin Reservoir Campaign. When he ...
Celeste DeMarco Iocovozzi - FEB 20, 2021
Celeste Maria DeMarco Iocovozzi, “Mama Celeste”, slept straight into heaven, on Saturday, February 20, 2021. Born on April 11, 1928, in Utica, NY, Celeste was the only child of Louis and Elizabeth DeMarco. She was married to George Iocovozzi for 46 years and they lovingly raised 5 children. Celeste earned an Associate Degree in Recreational Therapy from Russell Sage College, in Albany, NY. She worked as a therapist at Belleview Hospital, in New York City, before she and George were married and moved to Savannah, in 1952. Celeste was an avid speed reader, bridge and tenn ...
Bettie Anderson Shore FEB 16, 1929 - FEB 20, 2021
Bettie Anderson Shore, 92, Matriarch of the Savannah Shore Family and native and lifelong resident of Savannah passed away on February 20, 2021. Bettie was born in Savannah, Georgia on February 16, 1929, and graduated from Savannah High School in 1947. In 1948, she met and married the love of her life, Claude M. Shore, Senior at St. John’s Episcopal Church. Bettie became the bookkeeper for the various Shore family businesses until their son, Claude, Jr. was born three years later. She kept the books for Shore’s Supermarket on Henry Street. Bettie subsequently performed the same ...
Harland Franklin Fling OCT 21, 1955 - FEB 20, 2021
Harland Franklin “Frank” Fling, 65, passed away February 20, 2021 in Savannah. He was born October 21, 1955 in Pottstown, PA to the late Gerald Glenn and Hallie Lancaster Fling. He attended Middle Georgia College and Armstrong State College. Frank worked for Segall and Sons, and also for Friedman Jeweler’s for many years. He attended St. John’s Church in Savannah. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Glenn, and a sister, Elizabeth “Beth”. Frank is survived by several cousins, to in ...
William Roger Holden - FEB 18, 2021
William Roger Holden died peacefully at his home in Savannah Thursday, February 18th, 2021. He was 74 years old. Mr. Holden was a longstanding and well-respected member of the Greater Savannah community. He was born October 10, 1946 to James William and Ella Mae Merck Holden of Easley, SC, both deceased. He was predeceased by an older brother, James Donnie and is survived by a sister, Carol Holden Chapman of Powdersville, SC and a brother, James William Holden, Jr. of Beaufort, SC. Mr. Holden was previously married to the former Catherine Jones of Savannah and is survived by three children: ...
Deborah Mary Netzela-Jenkins FEB 28, 1961 - FEB 18, 2021
Pooler- Deborah Mary Netzela-Jenkins, 59, died peacefully at home on February 18, 2021 after a long battle with cancer. She was the child of the late William J. Netzela and Dolores Olive Netzela of St. Louis, Mo. Deborah lived in the St. Louis area while her father completed the St. Louis Gateway Arch as the project manager (construction engineer). Her family then moved to Solon, IA, making lifelong friends and memories. Her next family move was to Rock Springs, WY, where she fell in love with the great outdoors and learned to be a competitive gymnast. The family moved next to M ...
William Brooks Anderson - FEB 17, 2021
William Brooks Anderson, 65, passed away suddenly on February 17, 2021. He is attending the Largest Bigmouth Bass Tournament in the sky. Born August 23, 1955 to William A. Anderson and Naomi T. Anderson who preceded him in death. He leaves behind a sister, Cathy Anderson Usher (John Newton), nephew, Neil Andrew Usher, the late nephew John Ryan Usher, and great-niece, Ansley M. Usher. When you listen to Lynyrd Skynyrd on the radio, sing along and remember Brooks. One of Brooks’ favorite sayings was "You just don't know that's right brother you just don't ...
Sebastian Sparacino - FEB 17, 2021
Sebastian “Ben” Sparacino, 77, passed away Wednesday, February 17, 2021 in Savannah, GA. He was born July 16, 1943 in Montevago, Sicily to the late Salvatore and Rosalia Di Gerlando Sparacino. Ben graduated from Bushwick High School and City College of New York (CCNY). Ben served in the United States Army and established his own business B.S.F. Business Forms. He moved to the Landings on Skidaway Island in the early 1990’s and owned the popular restaurant Savannah Steakhouse. Ben loved to travel, sail, play pool and bacce. He was an amazing ch ...
Dr. Thomas Freeman DEC 29, 1918 - FEB 17, 2021
Beloved father and friend, Dr. Thomas Rumph Freeman, 102, of Savannah, GA, died peacefully in his sleep at Buckingham South on Feb. 17th, 2021. The longtime Savannah resident was born in Marshallville, GA on Dec. 29, 1918. He was the son of Annita R. Freeman and Reverend Horace T. Freeman, a well-known Methodist minister who was district superintendent in Savannah in the late 1940s. Dr. Freeman was a graduate of Emory University where he received his B.S. degree in 1939 and his M.D. degree in 1943. As an undergraduate, he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsi ...
Melvin Louis Snellings, Sr. - FEB 15, 2021
Melvin L. Snellings, Sr., 65, passed away Monday, February 15, 2021 while on his boat during a crabbing trip. He was born March 15, 1955 in Charleston, SC to the late Marvin and Judith Snellings. Melvin was a Commercial Crabber for many years and loved being on the water. He will be remembered by his family and friends as a kind hearted and generous man. He is survived by his son and best friend, Melvin L. Snellings, II of Savannah, as well as many friends. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. ...
Giuseppe Luigi Marra - FEB 15, 2021
Giusepe Luigi Marra, 86, passed away February 15, 2021 at his residence. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, February 23, 2021 at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church. Burial will be in Greenwich Cemetery. ...
Patricia Durrence Murphy - FEB 14, 2021
“She manages well the affairs of her household and is diligent to meet every need they may have,” Proverbs (31:27) Patricia Lothaire Durrence Murphy (94) of Savannah, Ga. passed softly and sweetly unto the presence of God on Valentine’s Day, 2021. She was truly a Sweetheart to all who knew her. She had been living with her son’s family since 2019. Patricia was born on December 12, 1926 in a small wooden house (complete with an outhouse), that was built in the middle of a cotton field about 5 miles outside of Glenville Ga. The mid-wife who assisted in he ...
Debra Ann Downing - FEB 14, 2021
Debra Ann Downing, 70, passed away February 14, 2021 at Memorial University Medical Center. Debra was retired from the United States Postal Service and later worked for Brannen Enterprises. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Hulda and Ernest Downing. Surviving is her sister, Roxanna “Rocky” Semken and brother-in-law, Frank Semken. A memorial service will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Hospice Savannah, 1352 Eisenhower Dr., Savannah, GA 31406. ...
Kinsley Olivia Knight DEC 09, 2020 - FEB 14, 2021
Kinsley Olivia Knight, born in Savannah, December 9, 2020, passed away February 14, 2021. In her short time, she brought light to our lives and showed us what true pure love is. She will be missed but will live on in our hearts through the memories we will forever cherish. Surviving are her parents, Brentley Knight and Courtney Johnson Knight; sisters, Ava Baxter, Arielle Johnson, all of Savannah; grandfather, Gene Knight of Rincon; grandmother, Pamela Knight of Savannah; grandmother, Robin Johnson of Effingham County and grandfather, Darren Johnson of Ohio. The family will receive fr ...
Betty Griffin Patterson - FEB 14, 2021
Betty Griffin Patterson left this world on February 14, 2021. Born in Savannah on February 23, 1928. She was raised in Thunderbolt and attended school in Savannah. She spent her whole life as a homemaker. She was pre-deceased by her husband, J. Desmond Patterson Sr, daughter Linda Smith, and son J. Desmond Patterson Jr. She is survived by daughters Patricia Patterson and Ellizabeth Woods. Services will be private with burial at New Hope Cemetery in Leefield,GA. ...
Dr. Julian D. Kelly, Jr. JUL 26, 1933 - FEB 13, 2021
Dr. Julian Dantzler Kelly, Jr. Dr. Julian Dantzler Kelly, Jr., beloved husband of Carolyn Martin Kelly, died peacefully at home with his family by his side on February 13th, 2021. A lifelong resident of Savannah, he was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, July 26th, 1933, the only child of the late Julian Dantzler Kelly, Sr. and Ola Jo Johnston Kelly, both from Monroe, Georgia. Dr. Kelly attended Savannah High, graduated from Episcopal High School in Virginia, Princeton University, and the University of Virginia Medical School. He received a commission in the U.S. Air Force as a Flight Surge ...
John P. Szlasa - FEB 12, 2021
John P. Szlasa, the son of Bayonne, N.J., shopkeepers, who worked his way through college, earned a scholarship to Harvard Business School and rose to prominence in pharmaceutical marketing and advertising, cherished his family and maintained faith in a loving God, died on Friday, February 12. A native of New Jersey but resident of Savannah, Ga., John died from complications of aging at Hospice Savannah. He was 85. Born to John and Jane (nee Kosakowski), Szlasa grew up above the family corner store and was surrounded by a large and tight extended family in Bayonne's Polish-American c ...
Mario Jose de la Guardia JUN 09, 1931 - FEB 11, 2021
Mario Jose de la Guardia, 89, died Thursday, February 11, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family. Mr. de la Guardia was born in Havana, Cuba on June 9, 1931 to Mario and Graciela de la Guardia. He moved to the United States in 1962. He earned his degree in chemical engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he also was a Letterman in Swimming. He later attended Harvard University Business School Management Development Program. While working at Carson Products Company, Mr. de la Guardia invented the revolutionary no-lye relaxer, Dark and Lovely. After a life-long care ...
Norman Miller Lack, II - FEB 11, 2021
Longtime cycling enthusiast Norman Miller Lack, II, 73, passed away Thursday, February 11, 2021. A memorial service will be held at a later date. ...
Elizabeth Gaines Schroder APR 18, 1928 - FEB 10, 2021
Elizabeth Gaines Schroder, 92, also known as Betty, passed away on February 10, 2021, in Savannah. She was a Savannah native born April 18th, 1928, and was the daughter of Noona Tanner Gaines and Ezekiel Baldwin Gaines of Savannah. She attended Savannah High School and the University of Georgia Extension, Savannah. Elizabeth married her husband Oliver in 1954, at St. John’s Episcopal Church. Together, they were members of the Savannah Yacht Club and the Cotillion Club of Savannah. Elizabeth worked as a parttime secretary at Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church, was a volunteer ...
William Sibley "Bill" Sikes, Jr. - FEB 10, 2021
William Sibley “Bill” Sikes, Jr., 87, passed away Wednesday, February 10, 2021 in St. Augustine, FL. The loving, husband, father and grandfather is survived by his children, Kelly and Trey (Tara); grandchildren, Kathryn and Evan; and great granddaughter, Aurora. Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Diane Sikes. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 20, 2021 at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel. The inurnment will follow in the Greenwich section of Bonaventure Cemetery. The Patriot Guard Rider ...