Obituaries

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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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 ...

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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 ...

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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 ...

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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 ...

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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 ...

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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; ...

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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, ...

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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 ...

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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 ...

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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 ...

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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 ...

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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 ...

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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 ...

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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 ...

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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 ...

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