Obituaries
Dorothy (Dotty) Armstrong SEP 01, 1942 - JAN 13, 2026
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Dorothy “Dotty” Armstrong. Dotty died on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, following a long illness, with her family and friends praying for her comfort and peace. She was born on September 1, 1942, in Savannah to the late Jesse J. Armstrong, Sr., and Louise Wynn Armstrong Bailey. Dotty was preceded in death by her parents and by her sister, Wynn A. Creal. She is survived by her brother, Jesse J. Armstrong, Jr. (Judy), and her sister, Louise A. Grotheer. She is also survived by her nieces, Lea Wright and Beth Armstrong; her nephew ...
Danny Lee F. Paul - JAN 13, 2026
Danny Lee F. Paul, 96, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away peacefully and with dignity on January 13, 2026 surrounded by the love of her family in Savannah, GA. Danny was born in Casper, WY to Edith Gibbons Anthes and Daniel Doty Anthes. She was not only a devoted wife and mother, but also a lifelong educator whose passion for children shaped countless lives. Danny graduated from Radford College in Radford, VA with a Bachelor of Arts in 1951. This is where she met her cherished husband, Professor H. Lee Paul Jr. They married in ...
Karen Arlene Newton Culp JUN 10, 1951 - JAN 12, 2026
Mrs. Karen Arlene Newton Culp, affectionately known as Miss Kay, age 74, of Savannah, died on Monday, January 12, 2026, at her home surrounded by her loving family. Miss Kay was born on June 10, 1951, to the late Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Newton, Sr. and spent her formative years in Aiken, South Carolina. She was a 1969 graduate of Aiken High School and had a home daycare at Talahi Island for sixteen years. She worked as a bookkeeper with many local businesses including Bull River Chu's on Hwy 80 before retiring. Kay was a member of Saint Peter the Apostle Catholic Parrish on Wilmington Islan ...
Dalton Culp APR 28, 1996 - JAN 12, 2026
Charles "Dalton" Culp, 29 of Savannah passed away on Monday, January 12, 2026. Dalton was born on April 28, 1996, in Salisbury, NC, to Jerrie Jennifer McCarthy and Gregory Charles Culp. Dalton moved with his mother and siblings to Savannah in 2005. He was a 2014 graduate of Benedictine Military School and attended Georgia Southern University. He was a machinist at Precision Machine of Savannah in Garden City. Dalton had a beautiful little girl, Aspyn, that he adored. She was the light of his world. He also leaves behind his mothe ...
Elizabeth Jane (Betty) Gilmore Creech AUG 14, 1930 - JAN 10, 2026
Elizabeth Jane “Betty” Gilmore Creech peacefully passed away on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was 95. Betty was born on August 14, 1930, in Bainbridge, Georgia, to Anna and Tom Gilmore. She was the third of their four daughters and was known during her formative years by family and friends as “Tootsie.” One of the original four “Gilmore Girls,” she and her sisters were raised in the “Old Fort” section of downtown Savannah. She attended St. Vincent’s Kindergarten, Cathedral Day School, an ...
Gavin Patrick Hunter APR 02, 1978 - JAN 09, 2026
Gavin Patrick Hunter April 2, 1978 - January 9, 2026 Our beloved son, nephew and friend Gavin Hunter passed away unexpectedly on January 9. He was 47. Gavin left behind his many friends in the hospitality industry as well. He is survived by his father Jack Davis Hunter III, his sister Amy Joy Russell, his aunt Diane Hunter, his cousin Andrew Hunter and his best friend Cat Resch. His uncle Jody Alvin Hunter, grandparents Jay and Jackie Hunter, and Great Aunt Ruby and Great Uncle Thomas preceded him in death. He was born in Charleston, SC and was a 1996 graduate of Calvary Day School in ...
Richard L. Wright SEP 30, 1953 - JAN 09, 2026
Richard Lynn Wright (72) was born September 30, 1953, in Valdosta, GA, and died peacefully at home January 9, 2026, in Savannah, GA, after a brief illness. The eldest of three children of Eugene F. Wright and Billie Ruth (Nix) Wright, Richard grew up in Georgia, Japan, Virginia, and Germany, following his dad’s Army assignments. He graduated in 1971 from Zweibrücken High School, where he was senior class president. Back in the U.S., he enrolled in Valdosta State College. When his dad was reassigned to the Panama Canal Zone, Richard moved back to northern Virginia’s better job ...
Richard J. (Dick) Buchner, Jr. - JAN 09, 2026
Richard J. (Dick) Buchner, Jr. passed away on January 9, 2026 at home with his loving and devoted wife by his side. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and family member. Dick was born in Savannah (where he lived most of his life) on September 28, 1940 at Telfair Hospital and was raised along with his older sister, Carol, and his two younger brothers, Jim and Paul. He attended and graduated from Blessed Sacrament School and Benedictine Military School. He was accepted and received a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Management from Georgia Tech in Atlanta. Dick ...
Martha Deanna Allen - JAN 09, 2026
Mrs. Martha Deanna Allen,81, passed away on January 9, 2026, at St. Joseph's Hospital. She was born in Savannah, Ga, to the late G.P. and Martha Knight, and grew up in Port Wentworth, Ga. She was a member of Bible Baptist Church for 55 years, where she served in the Children's Ministry and the nursery. She loved old movies and music. She was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Clarence Rayvon Allen(Rawhide), her brother, Dennis Knight, and her grandson, Tyler Allen. Surviving are her three daughters, Jeanne Hotaling (Sean) of Alabama, Lor ...
Francisco Jose de la Sierra MAY 29, 1947 - JAN 08, 2026
Francisco (Frank) Jose de la Sierra was a beloved husband, father (Dad), grandfather (Papi), brother and family member. He is predeceased by his mother, Otilia Rodriguez Crusellas and his father, Jose Rafael de la Sierra de los Santos, both of Havana, Cuba. Frank met Anne Beasley in 1979, married in 1982, and started a family in 1987. Frank loved spending time with his family beginning when his girls were very young, coaching their soccer, basketball and softball teams. He loved going boating, spending time at the beach, camping and taking his family to the lake e ...
William Gene Houston JAN 22, 1928 - JAN 08, 2026
William Gene Houston, age 97, passed away January 8th, 2026 at Summer Breeze Senior Living, Savannah, Georgia. Bill was born January 22, 1928 in Lima, Ohio to Clarence and Zymena Houston. He married Isabelle Stratton on March 7, 1947. Bill worked at Airfoil Textron for his entire career and retired from there. Bill lived an amazing life enjoying all the things that he loved outdoors such as camping, fishing in Canada, hunting and travel. In November of 2024, he was still deer hunting at his deer stand in Sardis, GA. He was a loving husband to his wife, Isy, a wonderful father to his four ...
Nancy Cabaniss Warth - JAN 08, 2026
Mrs. Nancy Cabaniss Warth, 80, passed away on January 8, 2026, at Candler Hospital. She was born and raised in Savannah, Georgia, to the late Harleston Cabaniss Sr. and Sara Grubbs Cabaniss. Nancy was a member of St. John's Church and St. Thomas Episcopal Church. A lifelong fan of art history, Nancy received several art awards and scholarships during her childhood and adolescent years. In adulthood, she served as a docent at the Owens-Thomas House and Museum and later worked as the front desk receptionist at the Telfair Museum of Art. She was preceded in death by her husband, M ...
Donna Jean Stepson JAN 13, 1942 - JAN 07, 2026
Donna Jean Stepson was born on January 13, 1942, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. She later made Savannah, Georgia her home in 1989, where she lived for many years and became a beloved member of the community. Donna devoted her professional life to the childcare industry, a career that reflected her nurturing spirit and deep care for others. After retiring, she continued to give generously of her time through several years of volunteer service at St. Joseph’s/Candler Hospital. She was also an active and valued member of the Windsor Forest Golden Age Center, where she enjoyed fellowship and ...
Peggy Joyce (Byrd) Foster OCT 04, 1934 - JAN 07, 2026
Peggy Byrd Foster Skidaway Island, Georgia Peggy Byrd Foster passed away at home under the care of Hospice Savannah, on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. Peggy was born in Tyler, Texas in 1934 to Jesse and Cassie Byrd. In 1935 the family moved back to Savannah, Georgia to be closer to family and friends. Peggy was raised in Savannah along with her two younger brothers Richard and Steve. She attended local public schools. Peggy married her high school sweetheart, the love of her life, the late William G. Foster, Sr. (Billy), with whom she shared 70 years of marriage. Together, they raised t ...
Louise Hamilton Thomas MAR 23, 1933 - JAN 07, 2026
Louise Hamilton Thomas, 92, died early evening of January 7, 2026, at Halifax Health Hospice in Edgewater, Florida. For the past four years, she resided at The Addison House in Port Orange, Florida. Louise was born in Bryan County, Georgia, on March 23, 1933. She was the daughter of the late Hannah and Clark Hamilton. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Evelyn Davis and Mary Hunt; her brothers, CT Hamilton, Harry Hamilton, Homer Hamilton, and her twin, Leland Hamilton; as well as Wilson Davis and RT Davis. Mrs. Thomas attended and graduated from Savannah H ...
Timothy Todaro DEC 07, 1962 - JAN 06, 2026
Timothy Clark Todaro passed away surrounded by love, leaving behind a family who adored him and a life that deeply touched those who knew him. Tim was a devoted and loving husband to Susan Todaro. He was a proud and devoted father to his two daughters, Katie Mixon and Hillary Wofford, and a cherished grandfather to his three grandchildren, who brought him immense joy. He also shared a special lifelong bond with his twin brother, Tom, whose connection with Tim was one of deep love and understanding. Tim was known for his kindness, his steady presence, an ...
Dr. Barclay R. Brown SEP 08, 1958 - JAN 06, 2026
Dr. Barclay R. Brown (1958–2026): A Force Not Easily Forgotten September 8, 1958 – January 6, 2026 Dr. Barclay R. Brown, 67, passed away on January 6, 2026, with his beloved wife, Honor A. Lind, and his devoted sister, Wendy Brown-Arnold, by his side, after an aggressive battle with cancer. Barclay lived with uncommon brilliance, deep integrity, and an enduring devotion to learning, service, and the pursuit of a better world. He was, and forever will be, an enigma: a unique individual and a force not easily forgotten. Barclay’s life and work were defined by forward thi ...
Linda McAbee JUN 19, 1945 - JAN 05, 2026
Linda Lorraine McLean McAbee passed away in Savannah, Georgia, on January 5, 2026. She will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by her family and everyone who knew her. Throughout her life, she was devoted to earnest and scholarly study of the Bible and delighted in close reading, whether in study groups, with friends and family, or on her own. She found insight and comfort in the Word and desired in all ways to be a faithful servant of the Lord in everything she did. Her life of kindness, generosity and service to others was a reflection of her faith. Born in Rocky Mount, North Caro ...
Christopher Parish Love MAY 08, 1972 - JAN 04, 2026
Christopher Parish Love, 52, a native Savannahian, passed away Sunday, January 4, 2026. He was born on May 8, 1972, son of Martha Evans Love of Savannah and the late Lonnie Delmas Love and preceded in death by his brother, Lonnie Darnell Love. He was a graduated from Hershey V Jenkins High School and attended Savannah Tech, South College, and Armstrong State College (Georgia Southern University – Armstrong Campus) where he received a bachelor’s degree. Chris was friendly and outgoing, loved history, especially the World War II era, and enjoyed fishing. In addition to his mother, ...
Gayden W. Hogan MAY 31, 1942 - JAN 03, 2026
Gayden Wilkins Hogan, age 83, passed away Saturday January 3, 2026 in Savannah, Georgia. He is survived by his beloved wife Elaine Hogan, children Nancy Bennett (Husband John Bennett), Teresa Koeppel (Husband Scott Koeppel), and Kelly Miller (Fiancé Kim Hatch), and grandchildren Emily Jackson (Husband Stephen Jackson), Olivia Bennett, Sean Miller ( Fiancé Tiana Linkus),and Katie Ryan (Husband Chris Ryan). He was preceded in death by his brother Paul Hogan and his parents. He was born on May 31, 1942 in Canton, Georgia to Helen and Alton Paul Hogan. He earned a masters de ...
Samuel Davis Kent, Jr. MAR 16, 1932 - JAN 02, 2026
Celebrating the life of Samuel Davis Kent Jr. Sam Kent, age 93, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2026, in Savannah, Georgia. Sam was preceded in death three short months ago by his wife, Barbara Torrence Kent. He is survived by his daughter, Anne Kent Love, and her husband, Dennis, of Tybee Island, Georgia; his son, S. Davis Kent III, and his wife, Tammy, of Yorba Linda, California; three granddaughters, two grandsons and five great-grandchildren. Born on March 16, 1932, Sam was the son of Samuel and Mildred Moir Kent. He grew up in Danville, Virginia, where he met his high school sw ...
Betty Blair Rushing NOV 11, 1935 - JAN 02, 2026
Betty Blair Rushing, 90, passed away peacefully in her home on Friday, January 2, 2026. Betty, born on November 11, 1935, spent her early years in Savannah, Ga. and is an alumna of Savannah High School. Throughout her life, Betty was an avid tennis player, community volunteer, competitive bridge player, traveler, and a patron of the arts. Betty was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, but perhaps her most proud title was great-grandmother. She loved spending time with her family, especially at the beach, which is how she celebrated her last Thanksgiving and 90th birthday. Betty ...
Brenda Joyce Middleton MAY 02, 1951 - JAN 01, 2026
Brenda Joyce Middleton, age 74, passed away on January 1, 2026, in Savannah, Georgia. Brenda was born on May 2, 1951, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to the late Herman Benton Cook and Helen Sylvia Delores Cook. She spent much of her life devoted to education, family, music, and faith. She is married and survived by her beloved husband of 53 years, Wallace Pierpont Middleton, and together they shared a life centered on love, service, and family. Brenda was a proud mother to her son, Wallace P. Middleton, Jr., and her daughter, Sarah Helen Harbin. She was also a cherished grandmother to 11 ...
Cheryl Jane Kilpatrick Pagan APR 11, 1963 - JAN 01, 2026
Cheryl Jane Kilpatrick Pagan died at 62 at home. Cheryl was born in Savannah, GA, and lived there for most of her young life before moving to Tybee Island, GA. She was immediately swooped up by the amazing community and loved by all. Cheryl graduated from Savannah High School. She was a caretaker of all, but especially of her children, Haley and Dalton. She loved fishing, the country, trips to the lake, photographing sunsets, and anything beach. She was a phenomenal cook--you considered yourself lucky if your feet were under her table at meal time. Cheryl was the creator of T ...
Lucia Yvonne Feltovic - JAN 01, 2026
Lucia Yvonne Feltovic passed away at her home on January 1, 2026. She was born on September 18, 1937, and raised in Thunderbolt. On July 9, 1955, she married the love of her life, Michael Robert Feltovic, Jr., TSGT. She served as the town clerk of Thunderbolt and retired after 30 years of dedicated service. Yvonne was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Michael Robert Feltovic, Jr.; her son, Michael R. Feltovic, III; and her grandson, Donald (Donnie) Toomer. She is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Toomer; her son, Stephen Feltovic; her granddaughters, Michaele Yvonne, ...
Charles E. Smith, Jr. (Charlie) - DEC 30, 2025
It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Charles Edward Smith, Jr., “Charlie.” Charlie died Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at home, with his loving family by his side. He was born October 19, 1942, in Savannah to the late Charles E. Smith, Sr., and Sarah Louise Ogilvie Smith. He served in the United States Marine Corps and retired from the Air National Guard. Charlie was a longtime member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. He was a member of the Zerubbabel Lodge, the York Rite Mason’s, and the Alee Temple, where he was a part of the Pirates&r ...
Jimmye "Lou" DiBenedetto APR 06, 1936 - DEC 29, 2025
Jimmye Louise (Lou) Lowenthal DiBenedetto died peacefully on Monday, December 29, 2025. Jimmye Lou was born in Savannah, Georgia, on April 6, 1936, to the late Bernard P. and Mildred Lowenthal. She was a graduate of Savannah High School, Class of 1954, and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Early Elementary Education from Armstrong State College in 1984. She married Louie DiBenedetto on May 14, 1955. Together, they built a life of love, laughter, and care with their five daughters. Lou was preceded in death by her loving husband of 65 years, Louie, her daughter Laurie Ann, ...
Russell James Merkert MAR 07, 1939 - DEC 29, 2025
Russell James Merkert passed away on December 29, 2025. He was born March 7, 1939, in Brooklyn, New York to Charles and Loretta Merkert. After moving to Savannah in 1969, he worked in sales and owned Merkert Freight Agency until his retirement in 2001. He was a skeet shooter and avid fisherman. A member of the Forest City Gun Club for over 32 years, he served as treasurer and president from 1995-1998. He is survived by Faythe S. Merkert, the love of his life, to whom he was married for over 67 years and by his daughters, Wendy Cassidy, Hope Pereira and Jill Merkert. He was predeceased by hi ...
Judith H. Christie FEB 19, 1952 - DEC 28, 2025
Judith H. Christie, 73, of Kingsland, formerly of Savannah, passed away Sunday, December 28, 2025. She was born February 19, 1952, in Savannah, daughter of the late Andrew Howard and Ruth Barnett Howard, and preceded in death by her husband, Lynn P. Christie. Surviving are a daughter and son-in-law, Suzi and Brad Johnson, son and daughter-in-law, Jason and April Christie; five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, two brothers, three sisters, and several nieces and nephews There will be a visitation on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Fox & Weeks Hodgson Chapel from 11:00 unti ...