Obituaries
Josephine Dowdy Spivey MAR 26, 1934 - OCT 16, 2021
Josephine “Josie” Dowdy Spivey, 87, passed away peacefully Saturday, October 16, 2021, surrounded by loved ones at her family farm, Pine Acres, in Tattnall County. A long-time member of White Bluff Presbyterian Church, Josie was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her family, and she will be greatly missed by all. Mrs. Spivey lived nearly her entire life in Savannah, graduating from Savannah High School and later Armstrong State College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Englis ...
Ezra Roy Willis - OCT 14, 2021
Ezra Roy Willis, 87, passed away Thursday, October 14, 2021 at his home under the care of his family and Hospice Savannah. He was born March 21, 1934 in Hay Springs, Nebraska to the late Warren and Lois Willis. Mr. Willis retired from the U.S. Air Force, as well as the U.S. Postal Service, where he was a mail handler. He was an avid golfer, loved to work in his rose garden and maintaining his tropical fish aquariums. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Carter Willis. Surviving are his six children, Roy “Butch” Willis ...
Edwin J. Feiler, Jr. JAN 23, 1935 - OCT 13, 2021
To view a livestream of the service, please click the link below. Edwin Jacob Feiler, Jr. (gather.app) Edwin J. Feiler, Jr., a fourth-generation Georgia real estate developer, civic activist, and the founder of Leadership Savannah, died Wednesday at his home in Savannah after a long struggle with Parkinson’s. He was 86. As Feiler described himself at the start of his recently completed memoir, A Professional Savannahian: “I was born on January 23, 1935, in Savannah, Georgia, and my life, in one way or another, has revolved around this city, which I love, and which my famil ...
Joanna N. Harris - OCT 13, 2021
Joanna Norgren Harris, 92, passed away Wednesday, October 13, 2021, at her home under the care of her daughter, Julie Harris and Hospice Savannah. She was born October 29, 1928, in Chicago, IL to the late Carl and Hildur Norgren. Mrs. Harris was a Home Economics Teacher for Charles E. Ellis School for Girls, and a retired Realtor. She was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church on Skidaway Island. She enjoyed being active all her life, traveling, playing Bridge as a Master Bridge player, playing golf, and quilting. She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert H. ...
Edward Mercer "Ted" Sheldon AUG 06, 1945 - OCT 13, 2021
Ted Sheldon (76) passed away on October 13, 2021, from complications after a stroke several months earlier. He was born in Chicago on 6 August 1945 and grew up in Highland Park, IL. Ted was an All-American swimmer on the high school relay team and went on to Beloit College where he was captain of the swim team. While at Beloit College he met his future wife, Marianne Weber, and they married in 1969 while Ted was serving in the Navy. He was discharged as a Lieutenant in 1971 and returned to Chicago where he joined the advertising sales staff of the Chicago Tribune.&nb ...
Jack Cowan JUN 02, 1935 - OCT 13, 2021
Jack Cowan, 86, died Wednesday, October 13, 2021 at Candler Hospital. The lifelong resident of Savannah was the son of the late Richard and Inez Mingledorff Cowan. Officially the third member to join, Jack was a longtime member of Skidaway Island United Methodist Church. He was an avid athlete that built his own in-home gym. Just prior to his death, Jack continued to use his gym and three times a week would run five flights of stairs. He was instrumental in starting the University of Georgia Men’s Gymnastics Team, where he served as captain. Jack began working as an a ...
Shirley Henderson DEC 09, 1943 - OCT 13, 2021
Born in Newcastle, PA, Shirley Henderson arrived in Miami in 1966 with Robert Thiele, newlyweds from Kent, Ohio. Shirley distinguished herself immediately as a vital member of that early group of teaching artists who arrived in Miami in the 1960’s and 1970’s. Her students at Miami Dade College and later The University of Miami revered her as an inspirational teacher and role model. As a committed artist, Shirley continued her development for over four decades as one of Miami’s most esteemed artists, including her participation in the then fl ...
Bernadette G. Nolan DEC 16, 1929 - OCT 13, 2021
Bernadette G. Nolan passed peacefully with family around her at her home in Savannah, GA on October 13, 2021. Bernadette and her husband Brian retired to Savannah from Springfield, IL in 1990. Brian preceded her in death on June 21, 2001. Bernadette was born December 16, 1929, in Pawtucket, RI to Ernest “E.G.” and Katherine “Katie” Gagnon. She had fond memories of Rhode Island including playing on the beach with her brother Bobby in what is now Colt State Park in Bristol. She proudly recounted quahog hunting on the beach. Bernadette&rsqu ...
Helen Bradley Tarbutton SEP 21, 1967 - OCT 12, 2021
Helen Bradley Tarbutton died unexpectedly Tuesday, October 12, 2021 at her home in Sea Island, Georgia. Born September 21, 1967 at the old Telfair Hospital in Savannah, Helen was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Waldo Bradley and the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Waldo Bradley of Savannah and Mr. and Mrs. William A. Morse of Atlanta. Helen graduated from the Savannah Country Day School in 1985 and received a B.A. in Political Science from Sweet Briar College in 1989. After college, she attended Parsons School of Design in New York City and received an A.A.S. degree in Interior D ...
Victoria (Vicki) Rotureau - OCT 11, 2021
Victoria (Vicki) Rotureau, 63, a native of Savannah, went to be with her Savior Jesus on October 11, 2021. Vicki began her family in Charlotte, NC before returning to Georgia and settling in Richmond Hill. Her last residence was in Pooler, GA. She is preceded in death by her parents, Jack G. Neidlinger and his wife Myrtiline Neidlinger; her first husband, Skip Smith, and her brothers, Jack Jr. and Coleman Neidlinger. Surviving are her husband, Craig Rotureau; sister, Margo N. Kelly; brother, Mike Rogers; children, Brandon Smith, Ashleigh Smith (James), Mathew Slater (Hanna ...
Kristin Ross Northup - OCT 11, 2021
Kristin Ross Northup passed away unexpectedly in Savannah, Georgia on October 11, 2021, at the age of 40. She will be greatly missed for her keen and unique sense of humor and her care for others. She is the daughter of John and Millie Northup and is survived by 3 children, Kristina in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and Kate and Emilie in Morristown, Tennessee, as well as by her husband Jeremy Hill, brother John Northup III and sister, Allison Northup Hollenden. There will be a private family memorial at a future date. ...
Jeffrey L. Smith - OCT 10, 2021
Jeffrey Louis Smith, 70, passed away Sunday, October 10, 2021 at Memorial University Medical Center. He was born March 31, 1951 in Trenton, NJ to Albert Smith, Jr. and Geraldine Smith. Soon after his birth, he and his family moved to Savannah where he lived the rest of his life. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Timothy and Albert Smith, brothers-in-law, James Strickland, Glenn Braddy, and Mike Russell. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Suzanne Strickland Smith, sons, Jeffrey “Luke” (Katherine) Smith and Benjamin Lou ...
Russell Thrasher JUN 16, 1966 - OCT 08, 2021
Russell Eugene Thrasher, 55, passed away on Friday, October 8th 2021. Russell was born on June 16th, 1966, in Marietta Georgia. He moved to Savannah in 2005 when he married Nicole (Nicki). Russell worked as a Construction Superintendent for Project Builders, Atlanta Georgia. He traveled the country overseeing build-outs but came home most every weekend to be with Nicki. He was a devoted father, dutiful son, and a fun-loving brother. Russell was an avid Georgia Bulldog fan, loved chocolate pralines and mastered his recipe for Pavlova. Russell never met a stra ...
Andrew (Andy) Mason Isbell - OCT 08, 2021
Andrew (Andy) Mason Isbell, 60, passed away on Friday, October 8, 2021 at his residence under the care of Spanish Oaks Hospice and his family. He was born December 19, 1960 to the late Andrew Jackson Isbell and Marian Mason Isbell. He is survived by two sisters, Carol Love (Pete) of Savannah and Cheryl Bigham (Jerry) of Evans, GA; one brother, Ken Isbell (Tere) of Seville, Spain; nephew, Mason Love (Maggie) and their children, Adrian and Thomas of Mexico Beach, FL; and niece, Caitlin Love of Cullowhee, NC. Andy grew up and attended high school in LaFayette, GA. He served as a hospi ...
Betty Louise Sikes Lord OCT 14, 1929 - OCT 07, 2021
Betty Louise Sikes Lord, 91, passed away Thursday, October 7, 2021, at Resorts at Pooler. Betty was born in Savannah, October 14, 1929, to Bertis Breckley Sikes and Anniebell Waters Sikes. Her family has fond memories of her love of crafts and music. The great-grandchildren enjoyed the time spent doing her hair and nails. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Clarence Lord. Survivors include her children, James Christopher Lord (Brenda), Brenda Keen; grandchildren, Kristina Keen Willis, Jonathan “J.C.” Keen, and four great-grandchildre ...
Patrick Cummiskey - OCT 07, 2021
Patrick Cummiskey, died peacefully at his home on Thursday October 7, 2021 at the age of 92. A near daily visitor to The Landings dog park, Pat would accompany his faithful companion, Maggie in his golf cart to socialize with other residents and their dogs. Pat was born in Detroit, MI and following high school attended the University of Michigan. He graduated prior to joining the US Marines where he was a SSF flying 2nd seat in a Grumman F7F Tigercat over the skies of the Korean Peninsula during the Korean War. In 1954, Pat married his college sweetheart, J ...
Clifford H. McDonald - OCT 06, 2021
Clifford H. McDonald, 93, departed his earthly life on Wednesday, October 6, 2021. He was a Veteran of US Navy, known as “Doc” to those that served with him. He was a retired sales representative for D-A Lubricant Co. He was a member of Skidaway Island United Methodist Church. He is predeceased by his wife, Idell C. McDonald. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Otis DeMott; his grandson, Barry DeMott; and several nieces and nephews. Special loving thanks to ALL the caregivers from Opulence Home Care (LoRetta Wallace). A memoria ...
Gwendolyn Johnson Coney DEC 01, 1946 - OCT 06, 2021
Gwendolyn Johnson Coney, 74, died Wednesday, October 6, 2021at Memorial University Medical Center surrounded by her children and grandchildren. She was born December 1, 1946, in Montreal Canada. She was an Army brat and moved from place to place, Boston, Florida, and Colorado before making Savannah her permanent home. Mrs. Coney was a certified nursing assistant at Chatham Nursing Home and later retired from Georgia Regional Hospital. She was a member of First Jerusalem Baptist Church where she sang in the choir and a member of American Legion Post 500. She was preceded in death by he ...
Erin Shirah Elizabeth Fowler JUN 24, 1982 - OCT 06, 2021
Erin Shirah Elizabeth Fowler, age 39, passed away from Covid-19 on October 6, 2021 at Candler Hospital. She was a Warner Robins native, but a long-time resident of Savannah. She attended Memorial Day School and Sol C. Johnson High School, and received a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology from University of Phoenix. She formerly worked for Chatham County Sheriff’s Department, and was currently employed with Allied Security. Erin was a member of Wilmington Island United Methodist Church. She was a lover of animals, movies, and classic TV shows. ...
John David Twiggs Johnson JUL 06, 1927 - OCT 05, 2021
It is with deep sadness that our family announces the death of John David Twiggs Johnson. He was born on July 6, 1927, to Kathryn and Thomas Johnson. Growing up at his beloved Isle of Hope, he was afforded a life on the river, which helped shape his world in many ways. At the young age of 12, he boarded a train to Episcopal High School in Alexandria, VA. After completing his studies at Episcopal, he attended Davidson College, graduating in 1947. In the last two years of WWII, David served in the Merchant Marines in the North Atlantic and in Europe. After his service, he returned to Savan ...
Edna "Ann" Hutchins Ernst APR 30, 1928 - OCT 05, 2021
Ann Ernst, age 93, passed away peacefully at Spanish Oaks Hospice on October 5, 2021. Ann, a native Savannahian, was born to Wayland D. Hutchins and Clara Clark Hutchins on April 30, 1928. She attended Chatham County public schools, Armstrong Junior College, and graduated from Valdosta State University with a degree in Biology. Ann married H. Andrew “Andy” Ernst in 1950 and together they raised three children. Ann’s first job involved research in mosquito malaria transmission and control at Oatland Island Research Lab which was part of the CDC. Most of her career was ...
Louis Roy Lester Jr. - OCT 05, 2021
Louis Roy Lester Jr., 76, of Savannah, Georgia passed away on October 5, 2021. Roy was born on May 3, 1945 in Sylacauga, Alabama, the son of Louis Roy Lester and LoRayne Peters Lester. Roy graduated from Auburn University in 1968 with a BS in Business. Roy served in the United States Marine Corps from 1968 until 1971. He earned an MBA from the University of Alabama in 1973. Roy moved to Savannah, Georgia in 2004. He was employed by Savannah Aviation and later by O’Reillys. Roy is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Stanley and Jane Lester of Sa ...
Doreen Higgins JAN 24, 1926 - OCT 05, 2021
It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Doreen Higgins (nee Morris) on October 5, 2021. She was born on January 24,1926 in London, England, daughter of Gladys Annie (Orchard) and John Rowland Morris. She went to school in London with the exception of a couple of years during WWII when she left to stay with relatives in North Wales for safety. Upon her return, she finished her schooling and received a Sociology degree from the London School of Economics in 1947. Wanting to move to America she went to Manhattan and sought work in the Advertising business. She also work ...
Frances Irene Luce MAY 15, 1932 - OCT 04, 2021
Click Here to Livestream - Available Thursday at 2:50 p.m. Frances “Fran” Irene Luce was born in Pineora, GA, daughter to the late Irene Futch (neé Zeigler) and Lemuel Jacob Futch, Sr. She died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, at home in Savannah on October 4, 2021. Fran was predeceased by her husband, James “Jim” Luce, in a marriage spanning more than five decades. She was a Savannah resident for most of her life, though she also spent several years in Baraboo, WI, the hometown of her husband, before they returned to Savannah. F ...
Maria A. Hassel AUG 02, 1947 - OCT 03, 2021
Maria A. Hassel, age 74, of Philadelphia, PA passed away in her sleep at Riverview Health and Rehabilitation Center in Savannah, GA on Sunday, October 3, 2021. She is survived by her three sons, Wayne, Chad, and Matthew; and her six grandchildren. She loved the beach, books, and games. She was an avid member of Pierce Chapel Church in Columbus, GA. May you rest in peace, mom. ...
Woodrow Wilson Dyches III - OCT 03, 2021
Woodrow “Woody” Wilson Dyches, III Woody was born May 16, 1967 in Savannah, Georgia. He was the second child and oldest son of Linda and Woodrow Wilson Dyches, Jr. He graduated from Calvary Day School in 1985. Woody was handsome in his youth; he had a commanding presence and an unmistakable gait. He was known for his half grin, the mischievous twinkle in his eyes, and his infectious laugh. He was an avid outdoorsman. Woody loved the forests and wetlands of Georgia and South Carolina. On a clear day, he was most likely to be found exploring a wild ...
Michael Allen Tanner - OCT 02, 2021
Michael Allen Tanner, 53, passed away Saturday, October 2, 2021 at Candler Hospital after a long battle with Covid. He was born February 9, 1968 in Savannah to Guy and Rebecca Tanner. Michael graduated from Jenkins High School and Georgia Southern University, class of 1989, where he (#40) played football under legendary Coach Erk Russell. He was a HUGE Georgia Southern Eagles fan and you could almost always catch him at Paulson Stadium on game day cheering for his boys. Michael was a Foreman for the Georgia Ports Authority, where he worked for the past 29 ...
Gwendolyn "Jo" Ambrose Wilson JUL 30, 1953 - OCT 01, 2021
Jo Wilson, 68, of Savannah passed away Friday, October 1st after a two year battle with cancer. Jo was THE face of the Sears Service Center for over 30 years. After their closure Jo worked for JC Lewis Ford until her passing. Jo was preceded in death by her husband of 38 years, Frank Wilson. Jo is survived by her children; Tiffany and Roy Schrum, Jeremy and Christy Wilson, Jordan Wilson and grandchildren Nolan and Piper Wilson. She is also survived by her sisters; Lynda Tinker, Carol (David) Flanders, and Jennifer (Tommy) O'Hayer and many nieces and nephews. T ...
John Henry Flathman - OCT 01, 2021
John Henry Flathman, USMC Ret., 79, passed away on October 1, 2021. He was quiet, respected, generous, loving and the best dad two sons could have ever had. He was our invincible hero. Born May 15, 1942, he lived a full life, one of faith, service, sacrifice, honor and love. John was a 1960 graduate of Herschel V. Jenkins High School, attended Georgia Military Academy and later graduated from his beloved Auburn University in 1964. Upon graduation, he married the love of his life, the late Crystal Hunter Flathman, and was commissioned a Second ...