Obituaries
Barbara Riggs Wise - APR 02, 2024
Barbara Claire Wise, née Riggs, died peacefully on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at her home in Savannah, Georgia. Born in Claxton, Georgia on Christmas Day, 1946, to the late Loren Alexander Riggs and Claire Smith Riggs, she was a skilled executive assistant, aspiring writer, and, in her spare time, an avid reader. She was preceded in death by her husband William Ray Wise and her siblings Tommy Riggs, Jimmy Riggs, and Charles Riggs. Barbara is survived by her sister Lori Riggs Jenkins; sons Rand Wise and Jason Wise; daughter-in-law Deb Wise; grandson Ben Wise; and many cousins ...
Graham J. Asher - APR 01, 2024
Graham J. Asher, 79, passed away Monday, April 1, 2024, at The Oaks of Savannah. He was born August 30, 1944, in South Hampton, UK. Graham was a member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church on Skidaway Island and served in the Merchant Marines. He had a lifelong career as a Hotelier, where he managed multi-million-dollar properties all over the world. He was the Group Vice-President & General Manager of The Helmsley Organization in New York, the Managing Director for Fairmont Royal Pavilion & Glitter Bay in St. James, Barbados West Indies, the Resort General ...
Ruth Cain Lynah JUN 20, 1927 - APR 01, 2024
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Ruth Cain Lynah of Savannah, Georgia, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2024. Ruth, affectionately known as "Peggy," was born on June 20,1927 to Ruth Artley Cain and Thomas Ravenel Cain. She was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Savage Lynah, and her eldest son, James Lynah. She is survived by her children; Thomas Ravenel Lynah (MaryAnne), Katherine Lynah Holliday, Savage Heyward Lynah Jr.(Lori), and Ruthie Lynah Whitlow(Jeff); daughter-in-law, Cindy Ellis Lynah (James); as well as fourteen grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and numer ...
Jane Vavra Leonard O'Brien - APR 01, 2024
Jane Vavra Leonard O’Brien, 83, died peacefully at home on Monday, April 1, 2024. Jane was born in St. Louis, Mo the late John Vavra and the late Evelyn Hohenstein Vavra. She was a longtime resident of Savannah and Tybee Island. Jane was a dedicated professor of English and Humanities at Savannah State University until her retirement in 2015. A devout Catholic and longtime communicant of St. Michael’s Catholic Church on Tybee Island, Jane served as Lector. In 2017, Jane was awarded the Bishop Francis X Gartland Award by the Diocese of Savannah for her distingui ...
Walter Purcell JUN 29, 1949 - MAR 31, 2024
Walter Purcell, 74, a native of Savannah, passed away Sunday, March 31, 2024, after a long illness. He was born June 22, 1949, the youngest of five boys to the late Eugene Enoch Purcell and Eva Gaynell Driggers Purcell. He graduated from Groves high school and served in the Army. Walter worked in construction and was a skilled carpenter. He was a natural gardener and took great pride in his yard. He was also a master craftsman and was very creative, and his talents were widespread to include stained glass, etchings, and a host of other artistic abilities. Walter w ...
Mary Elizabeth Dickey Smith JUL 02, 1933 - MAR 31, 2024
Mary Elizabeth Dickey Smith, born in Sylvania, Georgia on July 2, 1933, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2024, at the age of 90 in Canton, Georgia with her family by her side. She was the daughter of John and Hilda Dickey. Mary was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great grandmother who touched the lives of many with her kind, loving and unselfish generosity. Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert (Bob) E. Smith, and her daughter, Sheila Elaine Smith Holley. She is survived by her daughter, Cynthia Dianne Jenkins (Ron) of Canton, Georgia; ...
Joan Zipperer Shealey OCT 25, 1935 - MAR 30, 2024
Joan Agnes (Zipperer) Shealey, age 88, of Savannah, Georgia, passed away on March 30, 2024. She was born on October 25, 1935, in Savannah to the late Israel H. and Agnes C. Zipperer. Joan attended Savannah High School, graduating in 1953. She began working at Savannah Bank and Trust, then took time off to raise her three children. She eventually went back to work at Smiley's Sewing Center. A beloved member of the White Bluff Methodist Church, Joan enjoyed singing in the choir; she was also a member of the building committee. In her free time, she enjoyed sewing and needlecraft, ...
Dr. James L. Routon SEP 12, 1941 - MAR 29, 2024
We mourn the passing of Dr. James Leonard Routon (82 yrs), of Savannah, GA. After determinedly battling acute myeloid leukemia for more than a year, he found peace and final rest with family at his bedside on the morning of March 29, 2024. Affectionately known as ‘Papa’ he was born in Fairburn, GA, on September 12, 1941, to the late Beatrice Baker Routon and Stephen Leonard Routon. Jim was a dedicated family man and physician whose Catholic faith was the source of his strength, perseverance, and principles, shaping his career through a path of academic excellence and compa ...
Frank Ashton Blount, Jr. DEC 11, 1942 - MAR 29, 2024
Frank Ashton Blount, Jr. was born on December 11,1942 in New Haven Connecticut to Margaret O'Neill Blount and Frank Ashton Blount, Sr. He left his earthly home on March 29, 2024. Frank retired from the Iron Workers Local 709. He served in the US Navy aboard the USS Enterprise on its maiden voyage. He enjoyed recounting his adventures in each country port they entered. He always said his "Claim to Fame was being in the E on the ship E=MC2!". Frank lived his life by the beat of his own drum! At times he was a gruff person, but he would give you the shirt off ...
Evelyn Knight McKay Powell NOV 03, 1947 - MAR 29, 2024
Evelyn Knight McKay Powell of Stilson, GA passed away peacefully at Ogeechee Area Hospice on Friday, March 29, 2024 after a courageous battle with cancer. Evelyn was born in 1947 in DeKalb County, Illinois. She is survived by her three children, nine grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husbands, William E. McKay, Jr. and Robert L. Powell. In remembrance of Evelyn’s life, the family asks that you consider making a charitable donation to Ogeechee Area Hospice, 200 Donehoo Street, Statesboro, GA 30458. A celebration of Evelyn&rsqu ...
Susie Miller Arden - MAR 27, 2024
Susie Miller Arden, 98, died peacefully in Savannah on March 27, 2024, in the company of her loved ones. She was born on February 4, 1926, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina and lived there until the age of nine, when her family moved to Florence, South Carolina. At age 15, she moved with her family to Savannah. It was at Savannah High School, when she was 16 years old, that Mrs. Arden met her future husband. Frank Arden first saw his beloved Susie when she was on stage in the lead role of Lucy Belle Lee in Ever Since Eve. For the next 65 years - until his death - she would be the love of his l ...
Anne Chaddock Donegan AUG 07, 2007 - MAR 27, 2024
Anne Chaddock Donegan, 16, passed away unexpectedly on March 27, 2024. Born at Candler Hospital in Savannah, Ga. on August 7, 2007, Anne Chaddock was the cherished daughter of Chris Donegan and Staci McMillan Donegan and was affectionately known as “AC.” An old soul who was wise beyond her years, Anne Chaddock embraced kindness as a core value. She loved her family, she loved her friends, and she loved her beloved animals Abby, Beans and Henry. Anne Chaddock attended The Savannah Country Day School since Pre-K and was a talented student as well as an accomplished cross-country r ...
Thomas (Tommy) Clarence Walton FEB 18, 1941 - MAR 26, 2024
Thomas 'Tommy' Clarence Walton, a beloved man to many, passed away peacefully at his home in Savannah, GA on March 26, 2024. He was surrounded by his loving wife, Patricia McGee Walton, and his children. Tommy was born on February 18,1941, in Savannah. As the baby brother to three much older siblings, Eddie, Claire, and G.W., Tommy treasured his family and his “cracker” upbringing. His mother instilled a love for cooking that now carries through generations of family and friends. As a young man, Tommy pitched the first no-hitter in the inaugural season of AMBUCS little l ...
Sara Elizabeth Bart AUG 15, 1936 - MAR 25, 2024
Sara Elizabeth Bart, 87, passed away surrounded by her children on March 25, 2024 in her home in Tybee Island GA. Sara was born to the late Walter Preston Byrd and Mary Elizabeth Byrd, on August 15, 1936 in Savannah GA. She is survived by three daughters, Mary Angelyn Decker, Patricia Ann Catalano, and Sara Celeste Decker; a son, Ashley Michael Bart; grandchildren, Harrison Catalano (Gigi), and Decker Catalano; and a great-grandchild, Charles Brandt Catalano. Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 1, 2024 at St Michael’s ...
Evelyn R. McElhaney - MAR 23, 2024
Evelyn Ricks McElhaney, 90, passed away Saturday, March 23, 2024, at her home with her husband by her side. She was born December 7, 1933, in Soperton, GA to the late Herbert and Maggie Jane Ricks. She loved flowers and especially loved and cared for her family. She attended South Gardens Baptist Church, and later Chatham Christian Church. She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Wilburt McElhaney of Savannah, her son, Curtis W. McElhaney of Jacksonville, FL, two daughters, Donna Anderson of Ellijay, GA, and Karen D. Smith (Curtis) of Port Wentworth, GA, her three ...
Joyce Ann Lowry - MAR 23, 2024
Joyce Ann (Thompson) Lowry, 77, died peacefully in Savannah on Saturday, March 23, 2024. She was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Robert (Bob) E. Lowry, Jr. Joyce was born in Sciotoville, Ohio, the second child (and first and only daughter) of Cleo Wells and Thelma Delores (Hall) Thompson. She and her four brothers were raised on a small farm in a house built by her father, where she had fond memories of walking the “holler” or playing in the “crick.” She attended Minford High School and graduated with the class of 1965. She was married on January 20, 1967, ...
Dr. Anthony Malcom Cook - MAR 23, 2024
Dr. Anthony Malcom Cook passed away on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at the age of 67, in Savannah, GA, surrounded with love; his wife and children were with him as he made his transition to heaven. He is survived by his wife, Julie Mileur Cook, whom he was devoted to for nearly 41 years, and their children Travis (Elizabeth) Cook and Lexie (Everett) Cramer, both of Atlanta, GA, as well as his grandchildren, Louisa and Hayes, who fondly called him ‘Ace’. He is also survived by his sister Kristi (Chris) Maletis, along with many nieces and nephews. Anthony was a Georgia man th ...
Ruby Lucille McClary Harden - MAR 23, 2024
Ruby Lucille McClary Harden passed away peacefully on March 23, 2024. Born on April 23, 1930, she lived a fulfilling and long life, finding joy in the sport of bowling. She is survived by her sons, Richard Franklin Harden and Gary Lester Harden of Savannah, GA, as well as her brothers, Jesse Smith McClary of Georgetown, SC, William E. McClary of Mt. Pleasant, SC, and Richard S. McClary of Richmond Hill, GA. Additionally, she is survived by her sister, Shirley M. Woodside of Simpsonville, SC. Ruby will be dearly missed by all who knew her. A graveside service to honor her life will be ...
Dawn Jennings Prescott SEP 09, 1962 - MAR 22, 2024
Mrs. Dawn Jennings Prescott, 61, of Swainsboro passed away Friday, March 22, 2024, at her residence. Mrs. Prescott was born September 9, 1962, in Beaufort, SC. to the late Walter Thomas Jennings, Sr. and Faye Cowart Jennings. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Walter Thomas Jennings Jr.; companion, Robbie Sellars. Dawn was a graduate of Herschel V. Jenkins High School in Savannah and Gupton-Jones College of Mortuary Science in Atlanta. She worked in the Pathology Department of Memorial Medical Center prior to entering funeral service and later in the OB/GYN pr ...
Stephen L. Ummel NOV 20, 1941 - MAR 22, 2024
Stephen L. Ummel, age 82, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 22, at his home on Skidaway Island, Georgia. Stephen was born to Dr. Clinton Louis and Mary Ann (Howick) Ummel on Nov 20, 1941, in Des Moines, Iowa. There, he graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1959 and then from Drake University in 1963. He went on to earn his MA in hospital and health administration from The University of Iowa in 1965. It was during his administrative residency in Greeley, Colorado, that he met his wife-to-be, Sandra Kay Bunda, from Fort Dodge, Iowa. They married on August 21, 1965. Stephen is survi ...
Robin Williams Johnson JAN 12, 1962 - MAR 22, 2024
Robin Williams Johnson, 62, died peacefully on Friday, March 22, 2024 at St. Joseph’s Hospital with her loved ones by her side. The native of Hardeeville, SC was a longtime resident of Savannah was born on January 12, 1962 to Horace Dayton Williams, Sr., and the late Elleanora Fleming Williams. Robin loved to laugh. She was kind, brave, caring, and generous. She was formerly employed by KFC in Pooler. She will be dearly missed by all those who knew her. In addition to her mother, Robin was preceded in death by a brother, Harry Williams; her maternal grandparents, Nora Purvis Fle ...
Joseph Andrew Austin, Sr. OCT 31, 1934 - MAR 21, 2024
Joseph Andrew Austin, Sr., 89, passed away Thursday, March 21, 2024, at his home. He was born October 31, 1934, to the late Winton and Marie Evans Austin. Mr. Austin was an electrician for the Local IBEW #508. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Winton Austin, Donald Austin, Delores Diamond, and Joyce Sharpe. He is survived by two sons, Joseph Austin, Jr (Geana Rouchi), of Savannah, and Jaudon Austin (Vicky) of Pooler. Also surviving are three grandchildren, Hunter Austin, Colby Austin, Leslie Holcombe, and sister-in-law, Ann ...
William Voss - MAR 20, 2024
William Voss passed away peacefully on March 20, 2024. He is survived by his wife, Carmen; three daughters, Heather, Kimberley, and Courtney; their husbands, Dan and Bern; as well as eight grandchildren: Chris, Jake, Brendan, Caity, Danny, Jack, William, and Joseph. His beloved dog, Jason, also mourns his loss. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, March 25, 2024 at the Fox and Weeks Hodgson Chapel. ...
Janet Lee Oliver JUN 05, 1938 - MAR 20, 2024
Janet Lee Oliver, 85, of Savannah (Wilmington Island), Georgia passed away with her family by her side, on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, after a brief illness. She was born in Lexington, Kentucky on June 5, 1938 to Leonard Hudson Oliver and Pansy Hill Oliver, who preceded her in death. Janet lived much of her life in Lexington and in nearby towns in Woodford County. The family lived on a small farm behind what is now the Blue Grass Airport in Lexington; and as a child she would ride horses with her friends across the farmland that is now part of the airport and Man O' War Blvd. While at ...
Forrest West Baker MAR 29, 1952 - MAR 20, 2024
Forrest West Baker, known affectionately as "West," passed away on March 20th, 2024 at the age of 71. Born on March 29th, 1952 to Henry & Marguerite Baker, West was a kind and caring man who had a ferocious appetite for learning. He was a proud graduate of Armstrong Atlantic State University's Nuclear Medicine program and enjoyed sharing his love of music with others. In 1999, West fell in love with Joyce, and the two were married at St. Francis of the Islands Episcopal Church. West was a loving family man who always made time for his wife, grandkids, and great-grandkids. ...
Edward G. Coleman, Jr. MAR 17, 1958 - MAR 19, 2024
Edward Gus Coleman, Jr., affectionately known as “Edward G”, a proud veteran of the United States Army, passed away on March 19, 2024. The son of Charlesetta Coleman and the late Edward Gus Coleman, Sr., Edward was born March 17, 1958, and raised in Savannah, Ga. He attended the Savannah Chatham County Public School System and graduated from Windsor Forest High School in 1977. In 1978, Edward enlisted in the United States Army and valued this service highly, attaining the rank of Sergeant First Class - Drill Sergeant. He served his country with honor and bravery, demonstratin ...
William G. Foster, Sr. - MAR 18, 2024
WILLIAM G. FOSTER, SR. Skidaway Island, Georgia William G. Foster, Sr. (Bill) passed away peacefully at home early on March 18, 2024. Bill was born in Savannah, Georgia in 1933 to Fred and Ruth Foster. Bill attended local public schools and was a graduate of Savannah High School. He also attended Armstrong College Night School. He served 13 years in the Georgia Army National Guard and was a commissioned officer in 118th Field Artillery Battalion. Bill was formerly a member of the Savannah Volunteer Guards and currently the Chatham Artillery. Bill married his teenage love, Peggy Byrd o ...
Paul Edwin "Ed" Walton JUL 14, 1958 - MAR 18, 2024
Ed Walton (Paul Edwin Walton), 65, departed this Earth on Monday, March 18th 2024 at his home on Whitemarsh Island. Ed was born July 14th, 1958 in Augusta, Georgia to Janie Mae Buck Walton (Deceased in 2011) and Paul Augustus Walton (age 90). He grew up in Augusta, Georgia and graduated from West Side High School. He is survived by his loving wife, and lifelong best friend, Karen “Cricket” Touchstone Hulsey Walton. He also leaves: brother Gary A. Walton (Tanya Newman) of Harlem, Georgia; sister Wendy J. Walton of Albuquerque, New Mexico; and brother Mark C. Walt ...
Julita Shallal JUL 04, 1946 - MAR 18, 2024
Julita Giedre Shallal, 77, peacefully passed into eternal life at her home on Monday, March 18, 2024, after a quick and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. She was born in Lingen, Germany, on July 4, 1946, to the late Antanas and Elena (Cervydas) Kvedaras, after they fled their native country, Lithuania, during World War II. In 1950, her family immigrated to the United States and were welcomed by Lady Liberty in New York Harbor before settling in Detroit, Michigan. In her childhood, Julita was enamored with music, particularly the violin, in which she excelled. Throughout her teenage yea ...
