Obituaries

Joseph Estrella III, born January 27, 1947, in Cambridge, MA, passed away on August 9, 2024. A veteran of the Vietnam War, Joseph earned a Purple Heart for his service in the Air Force. He worked as an offset printer in Boston, MA, and Savannah, GA, and moved to Savannah in 1985 to experience warmer weather while taking enjoyment from golfing and boating. Joseph is survived by his long-time partner, Roma Katherine Blake; his children Kerri-Ann Millar of Gloucester, MA; Joseph John Estrella of Windham, NH; Aaron M. Estrella of Savannah, GA; and Catherine Estrella of TN; as well as nine gr ...

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John Thomas "Tommy" Cupstid, adored father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on Friday, August 9, 2024. Son of Woodrow Wilson Cupstid and Bernice Spires, Tommy grew up in Savannah and graduated from the Benedictine Military School in 1951. That same year, he married his high school sweetheart and lifelong best friend, Frances (nee Hursey). Tommy loved all things Savannah, especially taking trips to the Big Park, and took great pride in his city. He was also a proud U.S. Army veteran who served during the Korean War, after which he spent his career w ...

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Reginald Rea Walters Reginald Rea (Reg) Walters, 92, passed away Thursday, August 8, 2024, at Ogeechee Area Hospice in Statesboro, Georgia. He was born in Washington, D.C., and moved to Falls Church, Virginia where he met and married Patricia Wadlow.  They were married for 64 years. Reg graduated from the University of Virginia in 1953 with a degree in Architecture.  He then received his master’s in city planning from Georgia Tech in 1956.  Reg and Pat moved to Savannah where they had two daughters, Cheryl Lynn and Terri Rae.  They moved to Miami in 1959 where R ...

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Mary “Missy” Frances Heriot, age 82, died Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at Azalealand Nursing Home after a long illness.  Missy was born in Savannah, Georgia to Robert and Mary Heriot.  Missy was a retired elementary school teacher that loved to travel in her motor home with her beloved dogs. Missy is survived by her sister, Nancy Heriot of Savannah; a son, John McFarlin, III of Tulsa, Oklahoma.  Per Missy's request, her burial will be private in Bonaventure Cemetery.   ...

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Marvell “Granny” Swift, 93, passed away on August 7, 2024 after battling Alzheimer’s for many years. Born on December 4, 1930, in Arkansas, she and her family moved to Michigan where she raised her family prior to moving to Savannah. She was deeply loved and adored by her family and many friends.  She was a strong willed and hard-working woman and loved to find new challenges and explore things out of the ordinary.  She was very proud of the singles dance club she formed, where she had dozens of friends find their significant others. She was an avid water skier, bow ...

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Helen Lyons Laird was born to Eternal life on August 7, 2024, at Azalealand Skilled Nursing Facility in Savannah, GA. Helen was born in Augusta, Georgia, on April 14, 1926, to Margaret McTeer Lyons and William A. Lyons. She was the eldest of seven children. Helen was a 1944 graduate of Mount Saint Joseph High School in Augusta. During World War II, she worked at Fort Gordon-Augusta. Helen met Robert M. Laird on Tybee Island, and they were married on October 27, 1951, at St. Mary’s on the Hill Catholic Church in Augusta. They were married for 43 years. Helen was a loving daughter ...

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Barry A. Brown, 69, died peacefully on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at Memorial University Medical Center. The Savannah native was born on November 6, 1954 to the late Henry J. and Bernardine Osbourne Brown. Barry was a longtime resident of Tybee Island. He graduated from Savannah High School and dedicated over 20 years to the City of Tybee, serving on the Planning Commission, City Council, and as Mayor Pro Tem. He was also a committed member of the Marine Rescue Squadron for over 25 years and belonged to the American Legion Post 154. Professionally, Barry was the proud owner and operator of ...

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Elizabeth Morgan Garnett, age 55, passed away peacefully on Wednesday August 7th, 2024, at Memorial Hospital in Savannah, Georgia after a long courageous battle with a glioblastoma.    She was born on July 10, 1969 in Jacksonville, Florida to William (Bill) and Mary Garnett, and is survived by her brother John (Tevis) of Savannah, GA; nieces Rachel (Jay) Carpenter, Grace (Ben) Tucker both of Savannah, GA; nephews Wesley (Allison) Garnett of Hoover, AL, and Tim (Savannah) Garnett of LaGrange, GA, and six grandnieces and nephews. As a child Elizabeth enjoyed family camping and wa ...

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Jean Lorraine Wetherington Aimar, a longtime resident of Beaufort, South Carolina, died peacefully August 6th, 2024 at The Oaks of Savannah. She was under the care of Spanish Oaks Hospice. Jean was born in Jacksonville, Florida on February 8th 1927 to Claudia Edwards Wetherington and Alton Brooks Wetherington. She grew up in the Jacksonville Beaches before moving as an adult to Savannah, Georgia. This is where she met and fell in love with Toomer Vanderhorst Aimar, who was actually dating her roommate. However, she stole his heart and they were married on May 1st, 1949 at Independent Presby ...

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Dorothy Harrison Benson, of Savannah, passed away Monday, August 5, 2024, at the age of 105. Dorothy was a lifelong resident Savannah. She was born July 25, 1919, daughter of the Noel Harrison and Lottie White Harrison, and was preceded in death by her husbands, Robert Q. Benson, Jr. and William Henry Lee, Sr. Dorothy is survived by two daughters and a son-in-law; Sherron Benson Lee, Pamela Benson Gulledge and Daryl G. Gulledge; four grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. A graveside service will be at 11:00, Thursday, August 15, 2024, i ...

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Frederick Allan Jones, 90, of Tybee Island, GA went to be with his Lord and Savior on August 4, 2024.  Mr. Jones was born in Raleigh, North Carolina and was the son of Robert Ward and Clyde Watts Jones.  His family relocated to Savannah GA where he graduated from Savannah High School.   Mr. Jones then attended the University of Georgia where he graduated in 1957 with a Bachelors in Business Administration.  After graduation, he served in the Army where he was stationed in Germany for two years.   He married Sara Haeseler of Sardis, GA on December 25, 1957. ...

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James Reginald Carter, “Jimmy” passed away Sunday, August 4, 2024. He was a devoted and loving father, brother and grandfather. He was a dedicated widower. He passed away at his home surrounded by family. Jimmy was the son of Josephine and Charles Carter. He was born and raised in Savannah, Georgia. He was of Catholic faith and attended Sacred Heart School and Benedictine Military School. Jimmy attended Armstrong State College and served in the Army National Guard. Jimmy was happily in love and married to Angela Jansen Carter for 32 years. Together they shared a beautiful fam ...

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Verna Lee Berry, 96, of Sardis, Oklahoma died Sunday, August 4, 2024, at her home in Hinesville, Georgia. Verna was born in Sardis, Oklahoma on July 5th, 1928 to Lawrence and Effie Wade and was the 4th of nine children. Verna attended Clayton High School before going to work for the County Courthouse and then Texas Instruments. Verna was a loving and hard-working independent woman. She tended to her son, Anthony ‘Tony’ Berry after a traumatic car accident and her husband, Cleborn ‘Cy’ Berry during his last years of life. Verna had a big heart for her family and alway ...

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David Miles Pinckney, 69, a native of Savannah, passed away Saturday, August 3, 2024. He was born May 11, 1955, son the late Miles M. Pinckney, Jr., and Sarah Nichols Pinckney, He attended Georgia Tech before deciding to dedicate his life to our country. He retired from the US Army and Army Reserve with more than 25 years of service. He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Laura and Derrill Nipper of Indianapolis, Indiana, niece, Carolyn Dennis (Rusty), nephew, David Nipper (Shawna), great nieces and great nephews; Caleb Nguyen, Jacob Nguyen, Rosco and Rowan, and several ...

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Maradee Spencer, beloved daughter, sister, and mother, born April 20, 1992, passed away on August 3, 2024, at the age of 32 by suicide after a courageous battle with mental illness.  Maradee was born in Virginia Beach, VA, raised in Colfax, LA and Midway, GA. She later made her home in Richmond Hill, GA. She was the owner of Lovebird Cookies and the only thing she loved more than baking a perfect macaron was loving on her blonde-haired babies, Jackson and Kathleen.  She is survived by her mother, Jackie Spencer; grandmother, Kay Casler; aunt, Tricia Whitmire; uncle, Arthur Casl ...

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    DUE TO THE UNCERTAINTY OF THE WEATHER, THE FUNERAL SERVICE HAS BEEN CHANGED TO THURSDAY, AUGUST 8, 2024 AT 11:00 A.M. AT THE SANCTUARY CHURCH OF SAVANNAH.     Brenda Newsome McKenzie passed on August 2, 2024. She was born on March 11, 1941 in Glascock County, Georgia to Jordan Russell and Elouise Morris Newsome. Brenda began playing the piano at age 10, and that talent would later figure greatly into much of her life and contributions to the Savannah community. She graduated from Savannah High School and attended Armstrong College.      & ...

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  Sue Anna “SueSue” Herrin, 79, passed away peacefully at home on July 31, 2024, surrounded by her adoring family and friends. Sue was the cherished daughter of Anna Weeks Herrin and Bertram Joseph Herrin, Sr. She and her four siblings grew up on a dairy farm in Pooler, Georgia. She moved to Savannah at the age of 10 and attended Savannah High School and Georgia Southern College. Sue's career was a testament to her adventurous spirit and dedication to excellence. She began her journey with Delta in 1965, exploring enchanting destinations such as England, France, G ...

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Lawrence (Larry) Patrick Saunders passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, July 31, 2024. He was the son of the late Arthur Lloyd Saunders, Jr. and Theresa Cooper Saunders and was born on November 12, 1949, in Savannah, Georgia. He attended Cathedral Day School and later graduated from Benedictine Military School (1967) and the University of Georgia (1971). He served his country in the Georgia Army National Guard. Larry cherished the Georgia Bulldogs and Atlanta Braves with the conviction of a saint, through dry spells and — thankfully — recent championship years. Havi ...

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Strong, robust, fun-loving, generous, sensitive, kind, thoughtful, incredibly funny, talented, hard working, family oriented, God fearing, life of the party.  Etienne du Toit was a Gentle Giant.  He was a big man with a big heart.  Always smiling – from the day he was born until the last. He was raised in Durbanville, South Africa. The youngest of five boys.  Etienne was an adventurous sailor who arrived in America by chance in the mid-90s.  He fell in love with Savannah and made it his home. His passion for sailing continued with competitive racing on Ho ...

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Barbara Grund Paolucci passed away peacefully at PruittHealth - Savannah on July 30, 2024, at the age of 84. She was born on December 5, 1939 to Eva Anna (Nail) and John August Grund and grew up along the Gulf Coast of Mississippi and Alabama. In the late forties, the family moved back to Cullman, AL where she ultimately graduated from Cullman High School in 1957, then attended Florence State College. She left school after a couple of years and returned home to care for her mother who was gravely ill and then her father who was also seriously sick.  After their passing, while still a teen ...

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William Arthur Farmer, known fondly as Bill, passed away peacefully in his home on July 30, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was 88 years old. Born in Buffalo, NY, on May 16, 1936, Bill led a life of dedication, service, and community involvement. Bill graduated from Notre Dame with a bachelor’s, he later continued his education where he graduated with several other degrees. Bill's professional journey began as an engineer at Martin Marietta in Orlando, Florida. He later transitioned to academia, serving as a professor at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. His caree ...

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Terry Lane Rush, 76, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, July 29, 2024.  Born August 5, 1947, in Charlotte, NC, Terry’s family soon moved to Savannah, where she grew up as a member of Wilmington Island United Methodist Church, graduated from Savannah High School, married and raised three sons.  She worked at Carey Hillard’s for several years, where her bubbly personality made her a favorite with staff and customers alike. Terry enjoyed crafting and making beautiful flower arrangements and gifts for others. She was an amazing cook whose culinary skill was rever ...

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It is with great sadness that the family of Deborah Irene Estrader announces her peaceful passing on Saturday, July 27, 2024 at the age of 89 years. Deborah was preceded in death by husband Dr. Peter L. Estrader and loving parents Arthur and Alice Shaw. Deborah is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Esther & Brad Waddell of Norcross,  Georgia, her son Sean A. Friedman and 3 grandchildren,  Daniel, Madeline and Rachel Friedman of Minnesota. Deborah was a kind, loving and devoted mother, grandmother and friend. Among her achievements, Deborah is perhaps best known i ...

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  Elizabeth Maria Jacobi, PhD, passed away peacefully Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at the age of 82. Elizabeth had a passion for music, a dedication to healing, an unbending commitment to wellness in humanity and a strong faith. She was known for her generosity towards the church, seminarians, and anyone in need. Elizabeth combined her passion for music and deep caring for people to become the founder and director of the Music Medicine Institute in Savannah. The MMI is a non-profit corporation for education, treatment and research in the interface between music and medicine. With El ...

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On July 24, 2024, with his wife and two of his daughters at his side, Charles Raymond Stewart entered into eternal rest. He was 91 years young. Charlie was born on October 14, 1932 in Savannah, GA where he was raised by his adoring parents, the late Wilmer W. Stewart and Arlean Douglas Stewart. He was reared alongside his older brother whom he dearly loved and whom he leaves behind, Col. W. D. Stewart, US Army-Ret., now a resident of Sarasota, FL. He lived in a home where both his grandmothers lived with them: his maternal grandmother, affectionately known as Mama Guggie, and his paternal g ...

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Through complications of Alzheimer's, Susan McKenzie Lynah passed away on Monday evening peacefully, like a gentle breeze, surrounded by loved ones and listening to Miles Davis. She leaves behind her daughter, Emily McKenzie Lynah, endless cousins and friends, along with a legendary tale of wild adventures and a deep impact of pure kindness. She was born on August 27, 1941, in Bainbridge Georgia, to Rosalind Hurst McKenzie and James Stuart McKenzie, and had one brother, James Stuart McKenzie, II. She attended finishing school at Stephens College in Missouri and studied as a concert pianist ...

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SAVANNAH, GA – On July 22, 2024, surrounded by his loving children, Gustavous “Gus” Holmes Bell III of Savannah, Georgia passed away peacefully at age 86. Gus was born on August 6, 1937 in Lumberton, NC and raised in Dillon, SC by his parents Gustavous Holmes Bell, Jr. and Ada “Widdy” Williams Alford Bell along with his cherished siblings Sion and Suzanne. He graduated from Dillon High School in 1955 where he was affectionately nicknamed “Buster,” the name his grandchildren and many of his friends still call him today. Gus earned a Bachelo ...

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Lindsay Grayson Svetlay, 82, passed away Monday, July 22, 2024, at home with her family by her side.  She was born August 2, 1941, in Dobbs Ferry, NY to the late George and Hilda Grayson.  She attended college at St. Mary of the Woods in (Terre Haute), Indiana and graduated from the University of Montevallo, (Montevallo) Alabama with a Batchelor’s Degree in Home Economics.  She lived in Tucker, GA for over 50 years, where she was a parishioner of Holy Cross Catholic Church.  While at Holy Cross, she served as a Lay Eucharistic Minister.  She was a highly invol ...

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  JoAnne M. Sheils (nee Dachel) passed away July 21, 2024 surrounded by family. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother who was involved in her grandchildren’s lives  attending everything from soccer games to weddings. She cooked a mean shrimp scampi and hosted parties for 25 or more people without batting an eye. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Sheils, parents Blanche and Fred Dachel, brothers Roger and Richard Dachel and her beloved Maltese, Harry. She is survived by her sister Carol Dachel, Chippewa Falls, WI, her children, Kathy and Tom Stallin ...

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Clifford F. Lindholm, II, 93, Manufacturing Executive and Former Mayor of Montclair Clifford F. Lindholm, II of Savannah, GA, passed away on July 20, 2024. A memorial service will be held in the fall at Union Congregational Church, 176 Cooper Avenue, Upper Montclair, New Jersey. Born in Passaic, New Jersey, on December 8, 1930, Mr. Lindholm moved with his family to Montclair in 1943 and lived there for 62 years before moving with his wife, Karen, to Savannah, Georgia, in 2005. Mr. Lindholm was Chairman of Falstrom Company, a family business founded in 1870, and had been employed by ...

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