Obituaries
Cole Carter Kessler - OCT 28, 2019
Cole Carter Kessler was born in Morrow, Georgia on April 29, 1988. He entered eternal heaven on October 28, 2019. He died at home from a drug overdose. Never thought I would have to write an obituary for our child. It is a parent’s worst nightmare. He recently attended resident program at Bridges of Hope in Homerville, Georgia. Cole was there for six months. He has told us how much they helped him and he seemed to be on the right track, but the drugs had a strong hold on him. Cole was “Born Again” while he attended Bridges of Hope and accepted the Lord Jesus as his Savior. He was baptiz ...
Judith "Judy" Lightner Shumate FEB 26, 1941 - OCT 27, 2019
We celebrate the life and memory of Judith “Judy” Lightner Shumate, 78, who passed away Sunday, October 27, 2019, in the care of Spanish Oaks Hospice. Judy was born on February 26, 1941, to Richard and Edith Lightner. Raised in Savannah, Georgia, Judy graduated from Commercial High School in 1958. She went on to have a long professional career in finance and business management, highlighted by numerous awards for excellent performance in her field. Later, she found her calling as a Realtor, working with Re/Max Savannah, for over twenty years. Judy loved her beautiful city, and had a gentle sou ...
Raymond Jue, Jr. JUN 06, 1933 - OCT 26, 2019
Raymond Jue Jr., 86, of Savannah, died October 26, 2019 at Memorial Medical Center. He was born on June 6, 1933 in Savannah, GA, the son of the late Dorothy Woo Jue and the late Raymond Jue, Sr. He graduated from Savannah High School in 1951. He attended college at the Georgia Institute of Technology and graduated in 1955 with a BS degree in Industrial Management. He served in the US Army – 25th Infantry in Honolulu, Hawaii in 1956 – 1957. In 1960, he opened and owned one of Savannah’s Original 7-11 Minit stores on DeRenne Ave with his late brother-in-law Kenneth Cheong. He continued the busin ...
Arlene Bagley Lewis - OCT 26, 2019
Arlene Bagley Lewis, age 79, died October 26, 2019 at her beloved home where she and her deceased husband, Raymond Robert Lewis, raised their four children. Arlene was born June 30, 1940 in Lincoln Park, Michigan, to Gordon and Sylvia Bagley but moved south at an early age. Arlene lived in Savannah for most of her adult life. She attended the Medical College of Georgia where she obtained her nursing degree. She worked for many years as a public health nurse followed by many years at St. Joseph’s Hospital serving as the head nurse of the Emergency Department as well as serving as a nursing supe ...
Betty Denmark Durden FEB 09, 1930 - OCT 26, 2019
Mrs. Betty Denmark Durden, 89, wife of Ben W. Durden, passed away peacefully on October 26, 2019, surrounded by her family and friends. Mrs. Durden was born in Bulloch County, Georgia, on February 9th, 1930, and received her Master of Cosmetology license at the age of 16. She continued in this profession that she dearly loved for 66 years, owning three salons in the Savannah area and retiring at the age of 82. Betty loved the Lord and devoted her life to the service of others. She was the epitome of a selfless servant and led by example in everything that she did. She was a past member of the ...
Shirley J. Williams - OCT 26, 2019
Shirley Johnson Williams, 84, passed away Saturday, October 26, 2019. She was born March 28, 1935 in Sparta, GA to the late Ennis and Mattie Wilson Johnson. She retired after 54 years of service with Pederson-Chokos Insurance Company, and was a member of Central Christian Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Williams. Surviving are her sons and daughters-in-law, Mike and Pat Williams, David and Tina Williams, granddaughter, Krystle White (Ross), great-grandchildren, Ryan and Katy, one brother, Ennis H. Johnson, one sister, Amelia J. House, and se ...
Shirley Gardner Vaughn FEB 24, 1935 - OCT 25, 2019
Shirley Gardner Vaughn passed peacefully at home under Hospice care on October 25, 2019, surrounded by her family. She was born in Lee County, South Carolina on February 24, 1935, to Margaret Hill and J.M. Gardner. She was a graduate of the Baptist Hospital School of Nursing in Columbia, South Carolina. She was an avid Duplicate Bridge player achieving the rank of Silver Life Master. She was also a certified director and teacher. She was a member of Isle of Hope United Methodist Church. Shirley is survived by her husband James C. Vaughn, Sr.; son, James C. Vaughn, Jr. (Melissa); daughters: ...
George K. Tarasovic - OCT 24, 2019
George K. Tarasovic, born in Granville, NY, in 1930, passed away on October 24, 2019, at the age of 89 in Savannah, GA. Although being born in NY, George spent his childhood in Bridgeport, CT, with his two older sisters (Mary and Helen) and younger brother (Phillip). George, a graduate of Warren Harding High School, was an outstanding All-state high school football center and linebacker on a state championship team. He went south to Louisiana State University to pursue his football career. He gained All-Southeastern Conference, and All-American honors in 1951 at center and linebacker. George, ...
Eleanor M. Blood SEP 13, 1921 - OCT 24, 2019
Eleanor MacDonell Blood, age 98, died October 24, 2019, at The Marshes, Skidaway Island, Georgia, after a short illness. She has gone to her long-awaited eternal reward and will rest beside her beloved husband of 49 years, George Austin Blood, Senior, who preceded her in death on April 20, 1991. She is survived by two sons: George Austin Blood, Jr., (Hope), and Lawrence Alan Blood, Sr. (Pris). In addition, she had four grandsons: Alan, Bryan, Austin III, and Derek; four great grandchildren, Hailey, Reed, Madeleine, Faith; a great-great granddaughter, Jesse; niece Gale Thompson (Bob), and neph ...
Charles Lindberg Lewis (Lindy) - OCT 23, 2019
Charles Lindberg Lewis (Lindy) passed away peacefully October 23, 2019. Lindy was the owner of C. L. Lewis Construction Company until the late 1970’s. Successful projects included the excavation of roads, schools, Savannah Civic Center and Oglethorpe Mall in Savannah. His company’s best-known achievement was the development of Burnside Island where he lived since 1960. Lindy, one of twelve children, was born October 13, 1928 in Islip, New York to William Mathias Anthony and Margaret McKenna Lewis. Lindy married the love of his life, Margaret Jean Bennett on August 6, 1951. They were inseparabl ...
Judith Fitzsimmons Tschetter - OCT 22, 2019
Judith Fitzsimmons Tschetter, 83, passed away Tuesday, October 22, 2019. She was born July 15, 1936 in Augusta, GA. Mrs. Tschetter was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Alan Tschetter, whom she married in December 1958. A graduate of Emory University with a degree in nursing, she was passionate about nursing and caring for others, and a member at Christ Church Episcopal. Judy was an historian and vocal supporter of historic preservation and restoration, loyal to local artists, and truly dedicated to passing on the story of her beloved Savannah. Later in life, Bob and Judy rais ...
Harry E. Owens, Sr. SEP 01, 1923 - OCT 22, 2019
Harry E. Owens, 96, passed away Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at his home. He was born September 1, 1923, in Brooklyn, NY, but lived in Savannah from infancy. Harry was twice a cancer survivor, a testimony to his perseverance and to the knowledge and skill of his excellent doctors. He gave the most credit to the multitude of prayers offered up for him. He led an active life. He was a veteran of World War II. He was employed by Union Camp Corporation for over 41 years, retiring as a Planner Analyst. He built his home on Talahi Island, then a cabin in the mountains of North Carolina where he and ...
Sandra Louise Moore "Sandy" Robinson - OCT 21, 2019
Savannah native, Jenkins High School graduate and current Skidaway Island resident Sandra Louise Moore “Sandy” Robinson went to be with Jesus on Monday night October 21st. At each stop in her life, Auburn University, Boston, Atlanta, Dallas, Charlotte, Northern Virginia and especially Savannah, Sandy left an indelible impression with the folks she came in contact with through her work, her neighborhood, her kids’ PTA, on the sidelines of youth sporting events, in the audience of high school theater productions, and churches – especially Gateway Church in Virginia and Isle of Hope United Method ...
Jacqueline P. Ricks DEC 03, 1939 - OCT 21, 2019
Jacqueline P. Ricks, 79 of Savannah, died peacefully at Hospice Savannah on Monday October 21st. A long time member of First Presbyterian church where she sang in the choir for many years and was a member of the Covenent Sunday School class. She was a life member of the Savannah Lions Club and The International order of the Kings Daughters and Sons. She was retired from the Accounting Department at Hunter, McLean, Exley, and Dunn. She is survived by her husband of 60 years William A. Ricks, two daughters Suzanne Ricks and Diane Ricks both of Savannah and a brother Michael Prow also of Savann ...
Louise Kelly DEC 18, 1938 - OCT 20, 2019
Louise S. Kelly, 80, died October 20, 2019, at home under the care of Compassus Hospice Savannah. She was surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was born December 18, 1938, in Savannah, GA and lived in Savannah most of her life before moving to Charlotte, NC for 14 years. She then moved to Jacksonville, FL where she resided for 10 years before returning to Savannah. She attended Beach High School. She was a baker and cook for the Savannah-Chatham Board of Education and also worked as a professional caterer. Her hobbies were cooking, baking, sewing, decorating ...
Ruth C. Tirone - OCT 20, 2019
Ruth M. Tirone, 99, passed away Sunday, October 20, 2019 in Savannah. She was born in New Rochelle, N.Y. on July 3, 1920. She was a graduate of St. Vincent’s Hospital School of Nursing in New York City. Mrs. Tirone joined the U.S. Air Force Nurse Corps in World War II. She obtained her private pilot’s license, and was employed by Memorial Medical Center as a Registered Nurse. She was one of the first volunteers for Hospice Savannah, and volunteered in serving lunch at the Emmaus House for many years. Mrs. Tirone was a member of the Savannah Golf Club, the Savannah Women’s Golf Association, and ...
George E. Rotureau - OCT 19, 2019
Mr. George Edward Rotureau 86 of Faulkville, GA Passed away Saturday, October 19, 2019 at Ogeechee Area Hospice in Statesboro, GA after a long illness. Mr. Rotureau was born and raised in Savannah, Georgia to Walter and Betty Kelly Rotureau. He graduated from Commercial High School in Savannah and after graduation enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served during the Korean War. After serving his country Mr. Rotureau returned to Savannah and met and married the love of his life, Mary Irene Yarber on April 11, 1959. They enjoyed 60 years of marriage. He was a Free Mason and Shriner in the flag unit f ...
Tootsie Dare Johnson JUL 04, 1984 - OCT 19, 2019
A memorial service will be held at a later date. ...
Jeffrey B. Reid - OCT 19, 2019
Jeffrey Bryan Reid (51) died October 19, 2019 at home after suffering for over three years with cancer. He is survived by his mother, Marilyn Kay Reid, and his sister, Elizabeth Reid DeWitt, and brother, Gregory Allen Reid, and his two children Cooper McInnis Reid and Mary Tarver Ellis Reid. Jeff was born in Phoenix, Arizona in 1968 and grew up in Dallas, Texas where he graduated from Jesuit College Preparatory in 1986 where he excelled at playing soccer. He graduated from the University of California - Berkeley in 1990 where he continued to play soccer and became knowledgeable about computer ...
Mary Teresa "Maureen" Annunziata - OCT 19, 2019
Mary Teresa “Maureen” Annunziata, 87, passed away Saturday, October 19, 2019. She was born on January 11, 1932 in Summerville, MA. She grew up and raised her family in New York and moved to Savannah with her husband John after retirement. She is survived by her loving husband, John Annunziata; daughters, Dee (Karl) DeMasi and Teresa (Chris) Overbeck; grandchildren, Christopher, Russell (Kate), John (Jenn), Michelle, Dominic and Carolyn and great-grandchild, Marshall. The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Monday, October 21, 2019 at Fox &am ...
Tunis M. Smith, Jr. - OCT 18, 2019
Tunis M. Smith, Jr., 93, passed away Friday, October 18, 2019 at Spanish Oaks Retreat. He was born November 25, 1925 in Savannah, GA to the late Tunis M. Smith, Sr. and Annie Kohlage Smith. Mr. Smith retired from the Union Camp Corporation where he worked for over three decades, first as a Mechanical Engineer in the Box Plant and then as head of maintenance in the Chemical Division. He served his country during World War II in the U.S. Army engineer corps. During retirement, he volunteered for many years with the Ronald McDonald House. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by hi ...
Cheryl Littleton Andrews - OCT 17, 2019
Cheryl Littleton Andrews, 54, passed away Thursday, October 17, 2019. Surviving are three children, Candice Colquitt, Neyle Colquitt, Anthony Andrews and other relatives. A memorial service will be held at 6:00 p.m., Monday, October 21, 2019 at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel. ...
Barbara Jeanine Pearson - OCT 16, 2019
Barbara Jeanine Pearson, 89, passed away Wednesday, October 16, 2019 at Azalealand Nursing Home. She was born in Savannah, daughter of Thomas Dewey Pearson and Clara Meehan Pearson. Miss Pearson graduated from Savannah High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from Armstrong State College. She was employed at Savannah Sugar Refinery as a secretary for many years and a member of Independent Presbyterian Church. Other than her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Thomas Dewey Pearson, Jr. and nephew, Thomas Dewey Pearson, III. Surviving are her niece, Leslie Pearson Mills (Brya ...
James Jernigan Crumbley, III - OCT 15, 2019
James (Jim) J. Crumbley, III died October 15, 2019 at his home. He was born October 16, 1964 in Albany, Georgia, son of the late Dr. Ben Hill Crumbley, DDS and Patricia D. Henline. Jim loved God first. He prayed for his children's safety every night and for the blessings he had been given in his life. Family came next, he adored his children and he lived for them. Third was a very close tie between the Georgia Bulldogs, fishing and golfing. He carried a pole in all of his vehicles and if he saw a body of water he would pull over and throw in a line. He played golf every Wednesday, weather perm ...
Kelle Davis Jackson - OCT 15, 2019
Kelle Claire Jackson TYBEE ISLAND, GA - Kelle Claire Jackson passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2019. She was born in Metairie, Louisiana on December 13, 1979 to Edward Lawson Davis Jr. and Brenda Boudreaux Davis. Kelle attended Roswell High School and graduated from Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education. Kelle was a ray of sunshine to all who knew her. She was thoughtful, encouraging, caring and always went the extra mile for others. Many times she professed that her greatest accomplishment in life was being a mother to ...
Judge Tom A. Edenfield, Sr. - OCT 15, 2019
Judge Tom A. Edenfield, Sr. – SAVANNAH – a devoted husband, father, friend, attorney and Judge, died October 15, 2019 at St. Joseph’s Hospital surrounded by his family. Tom was born in Savannah, Georgia, on August 10, 1939 and was a lifelong resident of Savannah. He grew up on East 35th Street and was a 1957 graduate of Commercial High School. He earned his Associates Degree from Armstrong Junior College and graduated from Mercer University, Walter F. George School of Law. He was a faithful member of Calvary Baptist Temple for over 35 years. Some of Tom's many professional accomplishments incl ...
Richard "Gene" Powell - OCT 14, 2019
Richard Eugene “Gene” Powell, 80, passed away Monday, October 14, 2019 at his residence in Statesboro, GA after a 19 year battle with lung disease. He was born July 2, 1939 in Savannah, GA to the late Fred Lamar Powell and Mildred Hodges Powell. He married Annie Laurie Sikes on May 5, 1961 in Ridgeland, SC. Gene served in the U.S. Marines and was retired from Chatham Radiator after 15 years of service, as well as Backus Cadillac Pontiac after 25 years of service. He was a resident of Savannah before retiring to Statesboro, GA in 2001. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his ...
Jeanne Laffitte Brooks - OCT 14, 2019
Jeanne Laffitte Brooks, 70, passed away on Monday, October, 14, 2019. Born on March 4, 1949 in Birmingham AL, Jeanne was the daughter of the late Virginia Laffitte Nilan and David Smith Laffitte. She was raised in Spartanburg, SC. Jeanne graduated Spartanburg High School and the University of South Carolina. In 1982, Jeanne moved to Savannah, which she would come to call her true home. It was there that Jeanne found her passion for caring for others through the hospitality business. With a successful career that spanned over four decades, Jeanne helped countless boutique hotels to learn the va ...
Robert L. "Bobby" Cameron - OCT 14, 2019
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Mr. Robert Lee Cameron, age 81, passed away October 14, 2019 at Hospice House in Savannah after an extended illness. He was born November 5, 1937 in LaGrange, Georgia to Hazel Terry Cameron and Ralph Cameron. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Seymore Cameron and Terry Cameron. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Barbara McAllister Cameron, and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Cameron formerly served in the US Navy and was the long-time owner/manager of Piggly Wiggly on Wilmington Island. He was a member of Wilmington Island United Methodist Church and a d ...