Obituaries

Nicholas Fileccia July 8, 1926 - February 25, 2025 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our father Nicholas Fileccia, a loving husband and devoted father who passed away peacefully on February 25, 2025. Born in Brooklyn, NY, Nicholas was known for his strong work ethic, steadfast support of his family and devotion to Grace - his wife of 70 years - who passed in 2020. He had a long career as a NYC Transit Union worker - walking every mile of the city’s subway during his time as a track inspector. In his freetime, he was a skilled bowler recognized for bowling a ...

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Richard Joseph Campbell, 55, of Savannah (Wilmington Isl.), passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his friends and dogs on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, leaving behind a lifetime of stories, laughter, and an impressive collection of "Richardisms"—his signature words of wisdom. Born on July 7, 1969, in Savannah, Richard lived most of his life on Tybee Island. He was a small business owner of Campbell's Construction and Home Repair. He was a communicant of the Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus. Richard lived life on his own terms, neve ...

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Jennifer Harden-Gongora, 52, passed away on February 25, 2025. She was born on March 30, 1972, at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Jennifer dedicated her career to healthcare, earning her bachelor's degree in Nuclear Medicine from the Medical College of Georgia. She worked at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Savannah, where she was known for her compassion and dedication to her patients and colleagues. She was married for 16 wonderful years to her loving husband, Caesar Gongora. Together, they built a beautiful life centered around their family. She was a devoted mother to her two sons, Gra ...

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Jimmy Larry Martin, 85, died peacefully at home on Monday, February 24, 2025, surrounded by his loving sons. Born on May 30, 1939, in Savannah, he was the son of the late James Madison Martin and Ebbie Marie O’Quinn Martin. A proud graduate of Savannah High School in 1957, Jimmy's leadership shone as Co-Captain of the Blue Jackets football team during the 1956-57 season, earning the distinction of “Most Athletic Male” from his senior class. He continued his education at Armstrong College and dedicated over 32 years to the shipping industry, where he served as terminal ...

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Jane Wheeler Patnode, a native Savannahian, passed away peacefully at home on February 23, 2025 after a short illness. She was born November 18, 1936, daughter of the late James and Inez Wheeler. Jane graduated from Commercial High in 1954 and was her class valedictorian. She was an accomplished pianist, and avid reader, and a great cook. As an adult, Jane was active in her church, Trinity United Methodist Church on Tybee Island, and was the treasurer of the Tybee Optimist Club for 20 years. Jane's family was first and foremost in her life. She was preceeded in death by the love of h ...

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James Barry Jennings “Jim”, 82, passed away on Sunday, February 23, 2025, in Savannah, Georgia, surrounded by his loving family. Born July 28, 1942, in Beaumont, Texas, Jim was raised in a faith-filled Christian home and was baptized at Magnolia Avenue Baptist Church. He attended French High School, where he met the love of his life, Carolyn Nichols. His athletic gifts led him to become a dual-sport athlete in baseball and football at Tulane University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business. After graduation, Jim married Carolyn and began his career with Gulf ...

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Kay Frances Sherrod Gay, 89, passed away on February 23, 2025 after a long illness. She was the daughter of John W. Sherrod and Alice Grissette Sherrod. She was a Savannah native and lived in Savannah her entire life. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 67 1/2 years Edward Mouzon Gay, a brother John W. Sherrod Jr., a sister Joyce Horne, and son in law James E. Strong.  She is survived by her son, Edward M. Gay Jr. (Sheryl) of Savannah and her daughter, Fran Perrault-Strong of Athens; sisters, Marion Clark of Snellville and Lynn Wilson of Ri ...

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Ronald David Stephens, Jr. of Savannah, Ga., 86, died peacefully Sunday, February 23, 2025 after a long illness. The oldest of three sons, Ron was born April 3, 1938 in Fitzgerald, Ga to Ronald David Stephens, Sr. and Inez Wiley Stephens. The family soon moved to Watkinsville, Ga and on to Athens, Ga where Ron’s father was a faculty member at the University of Georgia, cementing Ron’s lifelong love and passion for the Bulldogs. Athens was a small college town at the time and fully accessible by bicycle, providing Ron and his childhood friends endless opportun ...

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Patsy Chafin Foster, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2025, at the age of 82. She was born on February 28, 1942, to Lena Sisk Kessler and William Howard Chafin, both of whom preceded her in death. She was also preceded in passing by her brother, William Davis Chafin, and her husbands, Anthony F. Foster, William Aiken, and Ronald Mathis. Patsy’s greatest joy in life was her family. She is survived by her devoted daughter, Terri Foster Carter, her cherished grandson, Walter Anthony Carter, and her two precious great-gra ...

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Judy Carter Nease, 87, passed away Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Memorial Health with her husband and close friends by her side. Judy was always up for a challenge and jumped in with enthusiasm. It may have been promoting the Garden History of Georgia throughout Georgia; starting her own real estate business out of the trunk of her car or being in the 3-day 60 mile walk for Breast Cancer. It may have been fighting a fish, swinging a golf club, snorkeling in the Abacos, or riding a jet ski. Whatever it was Judy gave it her best.   Judy was the only child of Cecil and Geraldine Cart ...

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 Barbara Saseen White, 97, passed away peacefully at her home on February 22, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born the twelfth child of Isaac and Freda Saseen, Barbara was a lifelong resident of Savannah, Georgia. She was a proud 1945 graduate of St. Vincent’s Academy and continued her education at Armstrong Junior College. A woman of deep faith, she was a devoted member of St. James the Lesser Catholic Church. Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 53 years, Edward F. White. She is survived by her children, Karen Reardon (Tony), Michelle O’Har ...

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Elizabeth Fowler White, known as Beth and Lizzy, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2025 at her home in The Landings on Skidaway Island, Savannah at age 78.  She was born April 5, 1946 in Maryland to Dr. Benjamin Fowler and Mrs. Adelaide Fowler, the first of four children.  After her father completed his service as a surgeon in the Army, they moved to Nashville to be close to her father’s family.  Growing up in Nashville, she attended St Cecilia and was elected to the presidency of the Nashville Girl’s Cotillion Club.  After Beth completed her collegiate ...

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Kathryn Virginia Clifton, 93, educator and beloved wife and mother, died Friday, February 21, 2025 surrounded by her loving family at her home in Savannah, Georgia. Born in Tallahatchie County, MS, on August 15, 1931, the only child of William Luther Tierce and Inez Lunceford Tierce, Virginia was a 1949 graduate of Minter City High School, where she was salutatorian of her class and Harvest Queen. She attended The University of Southern Mississippi where she received a B.S. degree in Business.  Following graduation, she went to work first for the FBI and then Shell Oil in Houston, TX.& ...

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Mary Herrington Dowdy of Rincon, GA, 75, passed away peacefully at Hospice Savannah on February 21, 2025. Mary was born on December 18, 1949 in Augusta, GA, and raised on Millhaven Plantation until the age of seven. Her family then moved to Savannah. Mary graduated from Savannah High School and continued her education, pursuing a lifelong business career in accounting. She was predeceased by her parents, Ellis and Warren Herrington. Surviving is a brother, Warren J. Herrington (Marsha) of Clarksville, GA. Mary will be missed by her cousins, lifelong friends Donna and Larry Cowart, a ...

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William Nettles Wessinger, MD passed away peacefully at home, under the care of Hospice Savannah, with his wife by his side on February 20, 2025, after an extended fight with liver cancer. He was born in Columbia, SC, on March 25, 1947 to James Bryson Wessinger and Eliza Nettles Wessinger. Bill grew up in Columbia and graduated from Dreher High School in 1965. He attended The Citadel and graduated in 1969 with a major in Chemistry. He then attended the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). After graduating with his MD degree, Bill&nbs ...

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The matriarch of our family, Barbara Buchanan Strong, lovingly known as “Bobbie or Bebe” was joyfully reunited with the love of her life and Jesus on February 20th surrounded by her 4 children.  Born on February 28, 1943, in Hazlehurst, Georgia, Bobbie lived a life full of love, laughter, and generosity. She graduated from Jenkins High School, and married Walter Hartridge Strong, Jr. A devoted mother, she found her greatest joy in gathering family and friends around the table, hosting memorable dinners, and celebrating every holiday with warmth and enthusiasm. She loved to ...

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Sheryl Diane Warren, 75, a native Savannahian, passed away Wednesday, February 19, 2025. She was born May 17, 1949, daughter of the late James P. Tuttle and Muriel Jore Tuttle. Sheryl's family was first and foremost in her life and she cherished her time with them. She loved classic television shows like “Leave it to Beaver and the “Andy Griffith Show” just to name a few. Sheryl also enjoyed many types of games and playing cards. She had a wholesome family and they were very near and dear to her heart. Sheryl held very strong family values; honesty, respect, compassion, r ...

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Maureen Shay Groves of The Landings at Skidaway Island passed peacefully at home on  February 19, 2025 at the age of 93. Maureen Alice Shay was born on December 22, 1931 in Yonkers, NY, the first child of John and Mary Alice Boehmer Shay.  She graduated with honors from Gorton High School in 1949 and went on to secretarial training at The Katharine Gibbs School (when hats and white gloves were still required of all students). After graduation, she worked as an executive assistant at the advertising firm of N.W. Ayer in New York City. She met George Groves on a blind date at a d ...

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Betty Ray Hendricks Hohnerlein, widow of Martin Hohnerlein, mother of John Hohnerlein, Barrie Ezell, and Grammy to Victoria Ezell, passed away on 02/17/2025. She was preceded in death by her mother, Ollie M. Hendricks, father, John T. Hendricks, sister, Ann Gerken, and son-in-law Daniel O’. Brien.  She was a member of Asbury Memorial Church. Born in Waycross, Georgia to John and Ollie Mae Hendricks on March 3, 1935. She lived most of her life in Savannah, Georgia. She graduated from Savannah High School and attended Armstrong College. Her first job in Savannah was with the Savannah ...

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Elaine Wilder was welcomed home to be with her Lord on February 17, 2025, at the age of 92. Born on January 13, 1933, Elaine was a loving wife who cherished her husband, a supportive and encouraging Mama, a grandmother to 4 “grands” and their spouses, and great-grandma to her 9 “great-grands”.  Her husband, Jesse, daughters Debbie (Ken) Harrell and Joyce (Chuck) Holt, and step-son, Randy, along with the rest of the family, will miss her, but they are forever grateful for the legacy she has left behind—a legacy built on Elaine’s love for her Savior, J ...

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Sara H. Sutton, 90, loving and beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, passed away February 17, 2025, at her home in Savannah. She was the daughter of Gaines and Sara Hailey. Survived by her sons: William, Scot and Matt, her grandchildren: Timothy, Heather, Patrick and Rebecca, and her great granddaughter: Kimber. A private graveside service was held in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens.    ...

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Robert Lee Williams, 80, passed away Saturday, February 16, 2025, at his home in Pooler with his wife and daughters by his side.  He was born May 30, 1944, in Sumter, South Carolina to the late Irene Williams Funderburk and later gained a wonderful stepfather in Ellis Funderburk. Robert graduated from Jenkins High School in 1962, and then furthered his education at Armstrong State College, class of 1968, and later earned his CPA by the State of Georgia in 1984.  He started his lifelong career with Gruman/General Dynamics/Gulfstream Aerospace, where he was one of the first local hires ...

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Ernest “Nelson” Kimmer, aged 83, passed away peacefully while surrounded by his family on February 15th, 2025 at Memorial Health University Medical Center. He was born in 1941 in Savannah, Georgia where he lived for his entire life.  He & the love of his life, Carolyn, had a small wedding ceremony in the church Carolyn was raised in which ushered in nearly 65 years of marriage. He was so proud of her & the life that they had together that he would ask perfect strangers, “Do you know how long we’ve been married?” Together they raised a fam ...

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John Edward NeSmith (Eddie) passed away peacefully February 15, 2025, in the company of his best friend, Pat Hansen, while preparing for vigil Mass and a small Valentine party at the church. He loved life and lived each moment to the fullest. Eddie was born in Savannah on December 4, 1940, the son of William Daniel NeSmith Sr., from whom he garnered his gentle nature, and Cora Whalen NeSmith, who rendered him his quick wit and sense of humor. Eddie is recently preceded in death by his brother, William Daniel NeSmith Jr. (Gail). Eddie graduated from Benedictine Military School in 1958 and con ...

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Please click here to view the graveside service for Steve Weeks. The live-stream will be available beginning at 10:45 a.m. on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. Stephen E. Weeks, Jr., completed a charmed life at sunset on February 14, 2025 surrounded by his adoring family. Throughout his life, Steve’s devil-may-care style, clever wit and earnest appreciation of a good time enabled him to make friends and create memories wherever he went. The stories of Steve’s childhood and adolescence growing up in Savannah with his twin brother, Jim, and their multitude of friends have b ...

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Walter Lee Stanford Sr., beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2025, surrounded by family and loved ones. He lived a full and meaningful life, leaving behind a legacy of love, adventure, and service. Born on July 18, 1943, to Janet Eubanks Stanford and Walter Elmer Stanford, Walter grew up on Tybee Island, Georgia, where he developed a deep love for the outdoors and the ocean. Whether boating, fishing, or simply enjoying the coastal beauty, the sea always held a special place in his heart. A proud veteran, Walter s ...

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Lois Wheeler Smith was born Lois Cayton Rowe in Raleigh, N.C. on November 6, 1925, to Milan Rodman and Ira Mae Cayton Rowe. She was the third of four beautiful Rowe daughters, who were affectionately known as "The Four Roses." Lois graduated from Needham Broughton High School in Raleigh in 1944, and married Thaddeus Carl Wheeler on November 2, 1946. They had two sons, Spencer Milan Wheeler and Thaddeus Carl Wheeler Jr., who were the light of her life. Lois's husband Carl passed away tragically in 1977, and in 1988 she married the second love of her life, Jim (James Garfield) Smit ...

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Deanne was married to Russ Wigh March 6, 1966, in Dalton, GA and moved to Atlanta for his job and her career. In the early years of her marriage, following graduation from the University of Georgia with a BSEd, she taught Spanish in Atlanta high schools. After leaving the teaching profession she concentrated on raising her family. For ten years before moving to Savannah she was a buyer of furnishings for a contract purchasing firm in the Atlanta area. Deanne was an avid tennis player and runner. She played league tennis in Atlanta rising to become an A level player, and she captained her te ...

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Savannah, GA – Gary Lord, 76, passed away peacefully at his home on February 10, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Chester Harry Lord and Ouida Bonnie Durrence; his brothers, Harry Dewayne Lord and Ray Chester Lord; brother-in-law, Charles Edward Novinger; and grandson, Jacob Stephen Lord. He is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Joyce Alice Lord; his sisters, Joyce Ann (Maurice) Petty and Diane Ida Novinger; sister-in-law Sharon Lord, his children, Barbara Ann (Spencer) Rahn, Ouida (David VanDyke) Lord, and Gary Lord II. H ...

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