Obituaries
The Honorable Juan C. Ayala SEP 25, 1944 - JUN 13, 2025
Judge Juan Christy Ayala, age 80, of Savannah Georgia, died on Friday, June 13, 2025, surrounded by his loving children and family members. He was born on September 25,1944, at Marianna Army Airfield in Marianna, Florida and was the eldest child of the late Cristobal and Doris Ayala. Juan attended Nativity of Our Lord School and Benedictine Military School, class of 1962. As an apprentice to his father in 1962, Juan became a licensed master barber and in 1968 he graduated with a B.A. degree in History from Armstrong State College. In 1968, he joined the U.S. Army and served as a milit ...
Virginia Smith White, Ed.D. SEP 16, 1936 - JUN 12, 2025
Savannah bids farewell to one of its most distinguished minds, Virginia Smith White, Ed.D., who passed away on June 12, 2025 at her home on Isle of Hope, leaving an indelible mark on the world of education and community service. Born on September 16, 1936, in Shreveport, LA, Virginia, affectionately known as Jenny, was the daughter of Edna (Collins) Smith and Claude C. Smith. From an early age, it was evident that learning and teaching would be her passion. By the age of three, she had already learned the Greek alphabet and was often found lining her dolls up on the front porch to ...
David James Bussing FEB 04, 1959 - JUN 12, 2025
David James Bussing, 66, of Savannah, passed away Thursday, June 12, 2025. He was born February 4, 1959, in Everett, Washington, son of James Lewis Bussing and the late Bernice Van Wormer. He was a retired U.S. Marine with 24 years of service and was an active member of the V.F.W. During his time in the military, he was affectionately known by many as “Clyde,” a nickname that stuck with him throughout his life and reflected his big personality and loyal spirit. Following his military retirement, David spent the second part of his career dedicated to working with metal at D. Russ ...
Helaine N. Moreno MAY 31, 1938 - JUN 11, 2025
With full hearts and deep sorrow, we announce the peaceful passing of Helaine Natalie Moreno—beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend—on June 11, 2025. After a long and courageous journey, she left this world with Ernie lovingly holding her hands until the very end. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, on May 31, 1938, Helaine was raised with strong family values and a quiet sense of purpose. She attended St. Mary’s Elementary, Notre Dame Preparatory School, and the College of Notre Dame. The childhood summers that were spent on the South River ...
Colman P. Sili - JUN 10, 2025
Colman P. Sili passed away at his home under the care of Hospice Savannah, and his loving wife in Savannah, Georgia on June 10, 2025. Colman was preceded in death by his father, Frank Sili, his mother, Elizabeth Toth, as well as brothers Frank and Ernest Sili and sister Dorothy Racy. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Dorothy Karbe Sili; and his four children, Jeffery Sili (Susan), of Bowling Green, Virginia, Donna Schwager (Alan) of Glassboro New Jersey, Karen Weber (Richard) of Summerfield Florida, and Raymond Sili of Savannah Georgia. He is also survived by six grandchil ...
Mozelle Winningham Williams - JUN 09, 2025
Mozelle Winningham Williams, 85, passed away Monday, June 9, 2025, at Memorial Health. She was born in Utawville, South Carolina to the late Adam and Alfie Winningham. Mrs. Williams worked as a customer service representative at Kroger for over 30 years. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Marion Francis Williams. She is survived by her daughter, and several grandchildren. She will be buried in a private service in Bonaventure Cemetery. ...
John Henry Voigt, III JAN 25, 1932 - JUN 09, 2025
John Henry Voigt, III, of Tybee Island, GA, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2025, at the age of 93. A devoted family man, veteran, and lifelong public servant, John’s legacy is one of dedication, love, and quiet strength. Born in Charleston, South Carolina, on January 25, 1932, John moved to Tybee Island in 1944 when his father became the lighthouse keeper — a role that sparked John’s lifelong connection to the coast. It was during these formative years that he met his first wife, Barbara Jacobs Voigt, whom he married in 1951. They shared 40 years of marriage until her p ...
Frederick (Freddie) John Anderson AUG 06, 1945 - JUN 07, 2025
Frederick (Freddie) John Anderson Sr., 79, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, June 7, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Freddie was born on August 6, 1945, in Savannah, Georgia. He lived and worked on Tybee Island, owning the well-known Freddie’s Service Station until his retirement in 2021. In 1962, Freddie married the love of his life, Catherine (Cathy) Owen, and they shared 62 years together. They had three children. Freddie was a kind-hearted man who cherished life, family, and friends. He never met a stranger and was always ready to lend a helping hand. Freddi ...
Gordon Newton Baker JUN 30, 1954 - JUN 07, 2025
Gordon Newton Baker, a beloved husband and friend, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at home. He was 70 years old. Gordon Baker was known as a champion for libraries and for his unwavering love and dedication to his family and friends. He is survived by his spouse, Dr. Tom Lewis and stepson, Cooper Lewis. Gordon is predeceased by his parents, Mary N. Baker and Dr. Howard F. Baker, both career educators and his brother, Howard F. Baker, Jr. Born on June 30, 1954, in Atlanta, Georgia, Gordon was a native of Henry County, attended Henry County public schools and ...
Jaime Lynn Spear - JUN 07, 2025
Jaime Lynn Spear tragically passed away on Saturday, June 7, 2025. Born on September 16, 1980, to Larry and Lynn Spear, Jaime was a loving sister to Rebecca Spear of Savannah. In 2016, she met the love of her life, Lori Domelowicz, and they became devoted wives in 2021. Jaime graduated from Calvary Day School and went on to earn her Bachelors degree from Savannah State University and her MBA from Georgia Southern University. She worked for the City of Tybee as the Human Resource Director for the past six years and had previously served as a Glitter Disbursement Engineer for Cha ...
Barbara Todd Stahl FEB 16, 1926 - JUN 06, 2025
Barbara Todd Stahl passed away peacefully at the age of 99, surrounded by the love she spent a lifetime giving. Born on February 16, 1926, in Fanwood, New Jersey, Barbara lived a long and meaningful life rooted in service, family, and joy. From a young age, Barbara knew she wanted to be a nurse—and she made that dream come true, working at Muhlenberg Hospital during World War II, offering care and comfort when the world needed it most. At 21, she married the love of her life, Alan Stahl, and the two of them went on to share 78 full and happy years together. They built a life center ...
Carol Ann Krieg JUN 04, 1937 - JUN 05, 2025
Carol Ann Krieg, 88, of Savannah formerly of Detroit, Michigan, passed away Thursday, June 5, 2025. Mrs. Krieg was born June 4, 1937, in Detroint, Michigan, daughter of the late Marvin and Helen Schmerling, and was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Arthur Krieg. She was a homemaker and loved bowling and dancing. She is survived by her children, Kathleen Demarais, Robert Krieg, Theresa Clor, Judith Lozen, Kenneth Krieg, Carolyn Jerome, Suzanne Krieg and Sherry Phillips; 24 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren; one brother, Jerry Schmerling and several nieces and nephews. A visitat ...
Emily Jones Horton FEB 04, 1941 - JUN 04, 2025
EMILY JONES HORTON Emily Jones Horton, age 84 of Savannah, GA passed away just before dawn on June 4, 2025 in Maryville, Tennessee. She was born February 4, 1941, the eldest daughter of the late Miller and Kate Jones. Emily was raised in Savannah with her two brothers, graduating from Savannah High School in 1959 and earning a Bachelor’s of Education degree from University of Georgia in 1964. After college, Emily married the love of her life, the late Richard Horton, with whom she shared nearly 55 years of marriage. She followed his career across Georgia, Connecticut, and New Jersey b ...
Elizabeth Nelson Cambridge SEP 09, 1947 - JUN 03, 2025
Elizabeth Nelson Cambridge, 77, died peacefully on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at the Social Memory Care Facility in Savannah. She was born in Memphis,Tennessee, and was the eldest daughter to parents Robert and Annabeth (Smith) Nelson. She was a graduate of Glynn Academy in Brunswick, and went on to have successful careers at Great Dane Trailers and the City of Savannah before her retirement. When not working, Elizabeth had a love for theater and music, working as a stage manager for several productions at the Savannah Theater Company and serving as the cantor for the Cathedral of St. Jo ...
Geraldine (Jerry) Parker - JUN 03, 2025
Geraldine “Jerry" Parker, age 82, passed away on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at Memorial Health University Medical Center. A lifelong resident of Savannah, Jerri was the daughter of the late Troy Crawford and Marcell Howell Patten. She graduated from Savannah High School in 1960 and was a devoted member of Wildwood United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. Jerry was a talented seamstress who could create anything, enjoying the process of making clothes for her children and grandchildren. She also sewed drapes professionally. In add ...
Robert (Bob) L. Everett MAY 09, 1935 - JUN 02, 2025
Robert L. Everett passed away in the early morning hours on Monday, June 2, 2025, at the age of 90. He was predeceased by his parents, Harlem S. Everett and Katherine M. Damico, as well as two brothers, Donald and Richard Everett, both of California. Bob dedicated much of his life to bodybuilding, starting his journey at Howard Cohen’s Weightlifting Gym in Savannah. He earned second place in the Mr. America over 40 competition, behind Arnold Schwarzenegger, who took first place. In 1976, he secured first place in both the Mr. Region and Mr. Adonis competitions. By 1980, he achieved fi ...
Kelsey Elizabeth McKinstry VerDuft APR 16, 1990 - JUN 01, 2025
On April 16, 1990, in the sunny seaside city of Long Beach, CA, the world welcomed a vibrant spirit named Kelsey Elizabeth McKinstry VerDuft. It is with heavy hearts that we announce her untimely passing on June 1, 2025, at her childhood home in Savannah, GA, at the age of 35 with her beloved husband and closest family members by her side. Known for her fiery red hair and even fierier spirit, Kelsey was a force of nature who lived life with a sassy, sarcastic wit and an unyielding love for her family and friends. Kelsey’s life was a tapestry woven with love, resilience, and dedic ...
Tawanna Austin-Smith OCT 20, 1963 - JUN 01, 2025
Our loving wife, mother, and grandmother, Tawanna A. Austin-Smith was born on October 20, 1963, in Folkston, GA to Elizabeth Nixon and Lee Austin, both of which preceded her in death. She attended Suwannee High School, and after which she advanced her education to become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Savannah, GA. She loved taking care of and helping everyone in her professional life, as well as personal. She was a devoted member of Abundant Life Deliverance Center She was called home by the Lord on June 1, 2025, leaving behind a loving husband, Thaxter Smith. She was prece ...
Alec Benson - MAY 30, 2025
Alec Benson, 92, passed away Friday, May 30, 2025, at home on Skidaway Island with his family by his side. He was born in Savannah, Georgia on March 12, 1933, the son of the late Robert Q. Benson and Ruth Strickland Benson. He graduated from Savannah High School in 1952. He then attended Georgia Institute of Technology on their CO-OP program graduating in 1957 with a Mechanical Engineering degree. After college he started his career in the paper industry at Union Camp. He worked for Union Camp for over 16 years. During his early days with Union Camp, he went in ...
Daniel Kovaleski NOV 04, 1941 - MAY 30, 2025
Daniel Kovaleski November 4, 1941 – May 30, 2025 Savannah, Georgia – Age 83 Daniel Kovaleski, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great friend to many, passed away on May 30, 2025, in Savannah, Georgia, at the age of 83. Dan grew up in Dickson City, Pennsylvania. After graduating from the University of Scranton he pursued his lifetime dream of playing professional baseball and was signed by the San Francisco Giant’s organization. After baseball he continued his studies and received his Master’s degree in Finance from Farleigh Dickinson University. ...
Patricia "Patti" Fobes JUL 13, 1942 - MAY 30, 2025
Patricia “Patti” Fobes, 82, of Tybee Island, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 30, 2025, after a brief battle with cancer. Patti was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, and was raised in Savannah, Georgia, where she graduated from Jenkins High School. After graduating, she pursued her dream job as a flight attendant with National Airlines. It was in the skies that she met Joe Fobes, a young Air Force officer in flight school, and the two married in 1969. Their life together took them around the world, including a time in Thailand before settling in Athens, Geor ...
Barbara Gross Brooks MAR 29, 1937 - MAY 30, 2025
Barbara G. Brooks, 88, died at home Friday morning May 30, 2025, after several years of failing health. Barbara was born in Savannah, Georgia on March 29, 1937, the eldest daughter of the late Marjorie Reed. She graduated in 1954 from Savannah High School. She attended Graduate School International Accountants Society and took numerous courses at the Department of the Navy and Beaufort Technical College. Mrs. Brooks was Comptroller and a Director of Leopold Adler Corporation from 1965 to 1975. In 1975, Mrs. Brooks began as an accountant at The ...
Helen Therese Berg Fish MAR 17, 1944 - MAY 27, 2025
With heavy hearts but countless cherished memories, we celebrate the beautiful life of Dr. Helen Therese Berg Fish, who passed away peacefully in Savannah, Georgia, surrounded by love. Born in Minneapolis to John and Therese Berg, Helen dedicated her life to nurturing young minds and hearts as an educator, author, sister, and mother. She graduated high school from Holy Angels in Richfield in 1962. Her passion for education led her to earn a Bachelor of Science in Primary Education, followed by a Master's in Early Childhood Education and Literature from Brenau University, and both an Edu ...
Dr. John Aldrick Phillips, Jr. MAR 22, 1946 - MAY 27, 2025
Dr. John Aldrick Phillips, Jr., 79, of Midland, GA passed away May 27, 2025 at his residence surrounded by his wife and family. A Funeral Mass will be held 2:00 PM Saturday, May 31, 2025 at St. Anne Catholic Church in Columbus, GA with Father Winchel officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. A reception will be held in the fellowship hall following the service. Interment will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 2, 2025 at Greenwich Cemetery in Savannah, GA. John was born March 22, 1946 in Savannah, GA son of the late John Aldrick Phill ...
Beulah Sims DeLoach APR 04, 1930 - MAY 25, 2025
Beulah Sims Deloach, 95, of Savannah, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 25, 2025. Beulah was born on April 4, 1930, in Brooklyn, New York, the daughter of the late Alma Sims Sharpe. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William Alvin Deloach. Beulah was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose life was centered around faith, family, and kindness. She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, warm heart, and unwavering love for those around her. She is survived by her children: Sandy Tebeau, Bill Deloach (Rachael), Greg Deloach (Terry), Rox ...
Ernestine Deal Sury - MAY 24, 2025
Ernestine Deal Sury, 89, passed away Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Memorial Health. She was born in Darien, GA to the late Ernest and Alvie Jacobs Deal. She graduated from Darien High School and from Draughan’s Jr. Business College with an associate’s degree. She worked for Union Bag, and the Chatham County Board of Education where she was a school aid for special needs children. She also was a caterer, making wedding cakes. She was a communicant of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Edwin A. Sury of Sa ...
Christopher Robin Kohut - MAY 23, 2025
Christopher Robin Kohut, 72, passed away at his home on May 23, 2025. He was supported by his loving family, especially his devoted wife, who was his caregiver for seven years, along with their son Samuel. He was born to Albert and Helen Glines Kohut on May 14, 1953, in New Brunswick NJ. He was the youngest of three children and grew up in a restored farmhouse on 5 acres near Princeton, NJ. Chris began singing at the age of seven in the choir at his home church. He attended the Columbus Boychoir School in Princeton, NJ, from the ages of nine to eleven. Music was his ...
Nicholas (Nick) Pappas - MAY 23, 2025
Nicholas “Nick” Pappas, age 80, passed away peacefully at home in Savannah, Georgia on May 23, 2025, surrounded by his loving wife and daughters. Nick was one of those rare people who made everyone he met feel cared for and comfortable. Born in Evia, Greece in 1944, Nick began working as a steward on cruise ships in his teenage years, collecting countless sea-faring stories as he visited ports all over the world. He later served four years in the Greek Navy, stationed alongside American soldiers in Crete during the 1960s. He immigrated to New York City in the 1970s before settling ...
Barbara T. Ringham - MAY 22, 2025
Barbara Truzinski Ringham, 76, of Savannah, Georgia, retired nurse and case worker at St. Joseph’s/Candler, died Thursday, May 22, 2025. She was born June 23, 1948 in St. Cloud, Minnesota to Don and Eileen Truzinski. After attending St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minnesota, she moved to Louisiana where she spent time in Lafayette and mostly New Orleans. She obtained her master's in social work from Tulane University and moved to Savannah, GA in 2008 to be closer to family. Throughout her life Barabara was known for her wonderful cooking and end ...
Alva "Casey" Floyd Jones MAY 31, 1941 - MAY 22, 2025
May 31, 1941 – May 22, 2025 Alva "Casey" Floyd Jones, a proud Tybee Island native, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home. He was 83 years old. Born on May 31, 1941, Alva dedicated his life to service and community. He served honorably in the United States Navy before returning home to join the Tybee Island Police Department, where he served with dedication and distinction for over twenty years. A familiar face to many, Alva also owned and operated Casey’s Corner, a beloved local bar that brought neighbors and friends together for good times an ...