Obituaries

Gloria Ann "TWINKLE" Groover, 77, of Savannah, Georgia, passed away on April 23, 2024. She was born on December 15, 1946, in Savannah, Georgia. Gloria was a retired motion picture greensman. She was known for her dedication and hard work in the industry. A private graveside service will be held to honor Gloria's life. Gloria is survived by her brother, Henry S Monsees (Patti), and several nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Hospice of Savannah. 1352 Eisenhower Drive, Savannah Georgia 31406 TWINKLE will be dearly missed by all who kn ...

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Tom Steven Jasmanki, 77, passed away peacefully at the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home in Winston-Salem, NC, on April 21, 2024, after a short illness. Tom was born February 1, 1947, in Minot, North Dakota, the youngest son of Harry and Mabel Jasmanki of Carpio, ND. He served honorably in the United States Navy and had a long career in automotive supplies sales, first as an employee of Johnny Wooten Car Care, and then as owner-operator of T&S Automotive Supplies. Tom was an avid golfer who enjoyed playing with the “Over-the-Hill Gang” at Tanglewood Park. Tom is survived by h ...

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Mary Rapp Ferrell, 99, passed away Saturday, April 20, 2024 in Pensacola, Florida.   A private service will be held at a later date.   ...

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Edwin John Case   Edwin John Case (Ed) of Skidaway Island, passed away April 20, 2024. Ed was born to Ethel Florence Henkel Case and Milton Allen Case in October 1936 in New York City, growing up in Larchmont, NY.  He is a graduate of Lafayette College where he became a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity.  Ed entered the Army Reserves and was honorably discharged in 1966.  He joined the Market Research Department at The Bristol Myers Company where he gained invaluable experience in product research and marketing.  After four years with Bristol, he joined ...

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John T. (Johnny) Collins passed away peacefully on April 18, 2024.  He graduated from Benedictine Military School (BC) class of 1957 and received his BBA in Accounting from Georgia State College in 1969.   Johnny spent the majority of his working career in the Natural Gas Industry, retiring in 2004 from Atmos Energy Corp. after 33 years of service.  During his working years he was a member of many organizations, including the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve.  Johnny loved his family and never met a stranger.  He was preceded in death by his mother, Helen Fleetwood Col ...

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Everybody loved Lottie. Born Elise-lotte Schneider in Sao Paolo, Brazil in 1924, Lottie Dunn radiated joie de vivre throughout her entire 99 1/2 years of life. She loved her parents, Anton and Frieda Schneider, and her sister Elfrida Schneider Wandell.  Her family emigrated from the Black Forest in Germany, via Sao Paolo, to DeKalb Avenue in Brooklyn in 1927. She loved her husband, Hugh Dunn, whom she met at a high school dance and remained as best friends for the next 55+ years.  She loved her 6 children— and our spouses — and her 11 grandchildren and 3 step-grandchil ...

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Sally Olsen was born October 1, 1935 and passed away on April 15, 2024 surrounded by her daughters. She's preceded in death by her loving husband, Eric Maura Olsen, two sons, Eric Maura Olsen, Jr., and Larry Lamar Olsen, and grandson, E. Ryan Goodman.She was survived by daughters, Helen Olsen Woodcock (Charles, dec'd) of Ellabell, and Pamela Olsen Flanders (James) of Guyton.She will be dearly missed by her eight grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. A graveside service will be held at Greenwich cemetery at 11AM on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, Ernie Pirkle To officiate. In lieu ...

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Michael James Bryant, affectionately known as “Michael T”  to family and friends, passed away peacefully at Emory University Hospital on April 15, 2024.  Born in Tucson, AZ, Mike experienced a nomadic childhood due to his father's military service, a source of pride for him, especially his father's Air Force service in WWII. This upbringing instilled in him a deep appreciation for travel and diverse experiences. Mike’s journey brought him to Savannah, GA, where fate intervened on his first date with Linda, his beloved wife. From Hilton Head to Savannah ...

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Savannah, GA William H. Ulmer, age 87, died Saturday, April 13, 2024. Born in Mineola, New York, he was the son of the late Sara and Lewis W. Ulmer. Bill was an executive with the Procter & Gamble Company of Cincinnati, Ohio. Following retirement, he and his wife, Patty, moved to The Landings on Skidaway Island, Georgia, and he had been a full-time resident there since 1992. He spent many years coaching youth baseball and was an avid fly fisherman. One of his fondest memories was when he made a solo four-wheel drive circumnavigation of the perimeter of the continent of Australia in 2001. H ...

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Elsie Wayne Smith passed away on April 13, 2024 at the age of 101. She was born in New York City on January 21, 1923 to Tunis M. Smith, Sr. and Annie Kohlhage Smith. She lived much of her childhood in Twickenham, the backdrop of many family stories about her and her brother, cousins, and neighbors playing and dawdling on the way to school. Her mischievousness was legendary in the family, always marked by a twinkle in her eye that continued throughout her life. Elsie graduated from St. Vincent’s Academy and attended Armstrong Junior College before entering Mount St. Mary’s Conven ...

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  Margaret “Brenda” Stewart, affectionally known as Nana, passed away peacefully at St. Joseph’s Hospital on April 12, 2024 of natural causes.  Her final moments were spent surrounded by family and prayer. Born on October 30, 1944, Brenda was known for her caring and selfless nature.   A lifelong resident of Savannah Georgia and a graduate of St Vincent’s Academy, Brenda worked at the Southern Bell phone company and then moved on to a position teaching preschool, which she genuinely loved and then retired to care for her family and grandchildre ...

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John William Greenwood, Jr., 49, passed away Friday, April 12, 2024, due to injuries sustained in a car accident.  He was born July 2, 1974 in Lincoln, NE to John William Greenwood, Sr. and Irene Sohl Greenwood.  John was a skilled auto mechanic and worked for Southern Motors Honda for the past 5 years.  Prior to moving to Savannah, he owned and operated Greenwood’s Garage in Groves, Texas He was preceded in death by his father, John William Greenwood, Sr., and his sister, Jody Lynn Greenwood Wolfe. John is survived by his wife of 25 years, Kristi Ann Greenwood of Sa ...

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Dr. James Frank Repella, aged 89, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 12, while holding the hand of his beloved wife, Jackie. Jim was born on June 5, 1934, in Kingston, Pennsylvania to Frank and Mary Rzepiela. He spent his childhood in Duryea, Pennsylvania, excelling at school and sports while also earning 10 cents an hour working on the Cremard family’s farm. Jim’s father was a coal miner and his mother a seamstress. The family petitioned to change the spelling of their last name when the coal mining company continued to misspell Rzepiela and Frank could not cash his pay ch ...

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Walter Charlton Hartridge Strong Jr. peacefully passed away at Hospice Savannah on April 11, 2024. Born in Savannah, Georgia on August 16, 1940, Walter was the son of Walter Hartridge Strong, Sr. and Julia Eve Strong. He was educated at his beloved Charles Ellis School, Savannah High School, and Georgia Tech, where he was a member of the Phi Delta Fraternity.  Walter returned to Savannah in 1961 to run his family's commercial construction firm, W.H. Strong Company. Over the next 63 years, Walter's construction legacy stretches over Savannah and the surrounding areas with notabl ...

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MARGARET ANN STAMBAUGH KEENER (August 28, 1925-April 11, 2024) It is with great sadness that we said goodbye to our beloved mother, grandmother (Mere), and great grandmother, Margaret Ann Stambaugh Keener, on April 11, 2024, after a short illness, at age 98.  She joins her husband of more than 67 years, Ellis B. Keener, MD, leaving behind a life lived with purpose and intent, surrounded by her family, in her home at the Marshes of Skidaway in Savannah, where she resided for 10 years.  Even in her last years, Ann was a force of nature, cheering on her 13 grandchildren and thr ...

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Thomas Edward “Tom” Sidebotham, 73, of Savannah, passed away Tuesday, April 9, 2024. Mr. Sidebotham was born November 27, 1950, in Rochester, New York, son of the late Nelson Sidebotham and Veronica Quetschembach Sidebotham. He and his wife, Pat formerly owned and operated Patty’s Hallmark Store on Broughton Street. Tom repaired jewelry and watches for many years was commonly referred to as the “Watch Guy”. He loved working in his yard and helping neighbors. Tom was and avid fan of the New York Yankees Baseball Team, he loved deserts, and was a member of the catho ...

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Mary Catherine "Kitty" Wasson, 88, of Savannah, passed away peacefully on April 8th, 2024, at Azalealand Nursing Home with her family at her bedside, under the care of Hospice. She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Richard Wasson Jr. Kitty was also preceded in death by her beloved parents, John Pettitt and Mary Dixie "Bumbie" Pettitt, along with her cherished daughter, Dianne Dimmitt. Kitty was born in Lumberton, North Carolina, and resided in Savannah for the past 70 years. She attended New Hope Fellowship Church, formerly Grace Primitive Baptist Church. Kit ...

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In Loving Memory: Donna Gail Futch Nichols (May 14,1950 - April 6, 2024) Donna Gail Futch Nichols, age 73, passed away peacefully on April 6, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on May 14,1950, in Statesboro, Georgia to the late Jackie Aldrich and William Futch. Donna was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend. She touched the lives of many with her kindness, generosity, and unwavering love for her family and friends. Donna graduated from Claxton High School in 1968 and went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Secondary English Educati ...

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Elizabeth Payne, 60, passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 6, 2024. A long-time Wilmington Island resident, she was born in Greenville, SC in 1964.  She developed a love for Savannah in her 30s and enjoyed being close to the ocean. She had an uncanny ability to spot shark's teeth and enjoyed collecting and sharing them. She also shared a love of local music life with her friends. She was the infamous "cat lady," adopting and caring for many over the years. One of her greatest passions was watching NASCAR. A free spirit, she prized her crystal jewelry and wore it ev ...

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On April 5, 2024, Donald Rhea Bostwick, II passed away peacefully at home on Tybee Island with his four children at his side. Don was born in Savannah, Georgia. Later he joined the U.S. Air Force where he served for four years. After his service, Don married and moved from Savannah to Tybee Island where he raised his four children. During his younger years on Tybee Island, Don volunteered as a firefighter, served as a Deacon at Chapel by the Sea, coached youth baseball teams, and mentored many young men through his faith and love of the outdoors. He worked for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ...

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Moira Charles Hegarty died peacefully in her sleep on Friday, April 4, 2024. Moira was preceded in death by her loving husband of fifty-three years, John Joseph Hegarty; her parents, Thomas and Agnes Charles; her brothers, Thomas, Joseph, and Kevin Charles; and her sisters, Sheila Floyd, Nancy and Cathleen Charles. Moira was born and raised in New York, New York. She served as a dedicated nurse and nurse educator for over 30 years. She was passionate about painting and serving her community. Moira never met a stranger and was known for her quick wit and infectious smile. Surviving is ...

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Gloria and Dean Horstman of Savannah, Ga., shared 69 years as husband and wife. She loved books. He loved computers before anyone knew to call him a “computer geek.” Most of all, they loved each other and their family, four sons who did them proud. Gloria’s declining condition was taking its toll. On March 12, Dean visited his wife in the hospital. Seeing her in such a state left him frazzled. Driving himself home, he was involved in an automobile accident, suffering injuries too severe to overcome. Gloria J. Horstman died on April 5, 2024. She was 91. Dean Lewis Hor ...

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There is absolutely no doubt that Kevin “Catfish” Jackson intentionally made the world a much better place. His love for his wife, children and grandchildren was infinite. The person Kevin loved best in this world was his wife Libby, whom he affectionately called his best friend and “The Family Oak”.  He and Libby faithfully reared their children Elizabeth, Kev, and Mary Margaret and loved their spouses Tyler, Kate, and Thomas like their very own. Kevin thanked God daily for his children and eight grandchildren, and he was immensely proud of his family.  Ke ...

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MaryAnn Wunsch has passed away at the age of 76.  She was born MaryAnn Roberta Rozek on November 27, 1947 in Webster, MA and died on April 4, 2024 in Savannah, GA where she lived with her husband, Rudolf “Rudi” Wunsch.  MaryAnn is a graduate of Anna Maria College in Paxton, MA.  Shortly after graduation, she and Rudi were married.  In September of 2023, they celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary.   She was a school teacher at Fort Meade, MD and in Framingham, MA.  Upon Rudi’s completion of graduate school in Boston, they made their way to ...

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Janet Potter Redmond, 73, passed away in her sleep on April 4, 2024 after battling a long illness. Janet was born in Albany, Ga and grew up in Savannah, Ga. She was the daughter of Robert Lee Clifton and Lorine Potter Clifton, owner of Castle Heights Academy. Janet was an amazing person that everyone loved. She graduated from Windsor Forrest High School, attended the University of Georgia, and was a world traveler.  She experienced life and had no regrets.  Janet loved the Lord and knew Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. She is finally at peace. She is preceded in death by he ...

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Betty Boone, 69, of Savannah, Georgia, formally of Paris, Arkansas passed away April 4, 2024 in Reidsville, Georgia. Betty was born in Paris, Arkansas, the first of 4 children of G. W. Spillers and Dorothy Maxine (Shelton) Spillers. She was named after her paternal grandmother, Lona Marie (Spicer)(Spillers)(Mainer) Garrett. As the daughter of a U.S. Naval Sailor, Betty grew up moving and living in many states, from coast to coast. After her father's military retirement in 1969, she found herself back in Paris, Arkansas. She became a member of the high school band where she played the cl ...

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Frances Joan DeWitt, 89, died peacefully on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at Hospice Savannah surrounded by her loving family.  The Savannah native was born on March 16, 1935 to the late Josephine Lupo Crosby and John Distefano. Frances was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Her faith was unwavering and carried her through the loss of her child and her husband. Like the true Italian she was, nothing brought Frances more joy than cooking large family meals for all to enjoy. She had a gift of making everyone feel welcome and loved. She will be greatl ...

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Lance Jack Hinely (Jimmy), 88, died peacefully on Wednesday, April 3, 2024.  Lance was born in Savannah, one of four sons of John Ralston Hinely, and Ila Kessler Hinley.  He had three brothers, John D. Hinely, Bernard R. Hinely, and William K. Hinely.  Lance leaves behind many nieces and nephews, JoBeth Fuller, Pam Waters, Steve Hinely, Diane Brown, Cathy Rogers, Ronnie Hinely, Denise Morris, Ricky Hinely, Peggy Mattie, and Debby Goldberg, also several great-nieces and great-nephews.  He was a longtime and very active member of Robert McIntyre Methodist Church.  He ...

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Robert Simmons Lanier, Jr., “Sims”, 71, of Statesboro, GA, passed away Tuesday, April 2, 2024, after having bravely battled cancer for several years. Sims was born on Friday, May 2, 1952, to Robert Simmons Lanier and Doris Holmes Lanier. Like his name, “Sims” was truly a unique and memorable person. In high school Sims played basketball and football for the Statesboro High School Blue Devils. His high academic standing allowed him to skip his senior year of high school and begin attending Georgia Southern University. He was a proud charter member of the Eta Zeta C ...

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At home, surrounded by her loving family, Judy Whalen Hilliard, 80, died peacefully on Tuesday, April 2, 2024. Judy was a lifelong resident of Savannah. She was born on November 12, 1943 to the late James Edward “Bookie” Whalen and the late Margie Elizabeth Cribbs Whalen. Judy’s life was a combination of faith, family, and friendship. Judy was a devout Catholic and a communicant of St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church and a former communicant of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.  She was an extraordinary woman with a remarkable ability to engage people. Judy was mos ...

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