Obituaries
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 ...
Michael Barrett Welsh, Jr - SEP 28, 2021
Michael Barrett Welsh Jr., 66, of Savannah passed away on the morning of September 28, 2021. Barrett is survived by his wife, Cindy Rooks Welsh; his daughters Amber Welsh (Ivano Harris) and Kelli deVegter (Wesley); his grandchildren, Alanna, Braeden, Luca, and Violet; his siblings, Sally, Jimmy, Timmy, and Betty: many nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends. He is preceded in death by his father, Barrett Welsh Sr., mother, Elizabeth Davis Welsh and brother, Joe Welsh. Barrett was born and raised in Savannah to Barrett and Bette Welsh. His five siblings called him “Bubba” ...
Susannah Robertson Rockwell JUL 21, 1934 - SEP 28, 2021
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Click here to view livestream. Link will be available on Saturday, October 9, 2021 at 10:45 a.m. Susannah Robertson Rockwell, 87, died peacefully on Tuesday, September 28, 2021 surrounded by her family. Susannah was born Susannah Preston Roberston in 1934 to the late William Joseph Robertson, newspaper editor and writer, and the late Susan Preston Robertson of Virginia. She moved from Pennsylvania to Savannah at the age of 10 when her father became the editor of the Savannah Morning Newspaper. Susannah was the youngest of four children with three brothers that all served in WWII. ...
Kathleen Barnas Dutko - SEP 28, 2021
Kathleen Barnas Dutko, 77, passed away Tuesday, September 28, 2021 at The Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. She was born in Passaic, N.J., October 16, 1943 to the late George and Verna Barnas. Mrs. Dutko received a B.S. in Nursing from Niagra University, Niagra Falls, New York, and then was awarded a National Institute of Health Grant to study Psychiatric Nursing @ N.Y.U., from which she received her Master’s degree. She was a Nursing Professor at Armstrong State University, from which she retired in 1998. She attended St. Michael’s Catholic Church on Ty ...
Elizabeth (Lisa) Carter - SEP 27, 2021
Elizabeth (Lisa) Carter, 61, of Savannah, GA was taken home to join with the Angels and the Saints in eternal worship of a loving, merciful, and sovereign Father on Monday, September 27, 2021. God had allowed Lisa to endure a series of baffling physical ailments for 2 ½ years while He walked by her side holding her hand, the Holy Spirit providing the strength and patience to endure all things with a smile and a positive word for all, until He finally called her home to meet her Savior, Jesus Christ, face to face. Lisa was happy to call Savannah her home for her entire life, eve ...
Duncan "Russ" Priestley - SEP 27, 2021
On Monday, September 27th, 2021, Duncan Russell Priestley of Savannah passed away at his home at the age of 62. Rusti was a graduate of Groves High School and Savannah Technical School. He worked as a mechanic and later became a carpenter. He was an avid Civil War reenactor who spent many years volunteering at Fort Jackson as a soldier and blacksmith. Rusti was preceded in death by his father, Robert E. Priestley, of Savannah. He is survived by his mother, Melba M. Priestley, of Savannah, and his brother, Robert L. Priestley, of Twin City, GA. Visitation will be held at Fox & Week ...
Captain Thomas Channing Lutton, USCG, Retired JUN 03, 1933 - SEP 27, 2021
Captain Thomas Channing Lutton, USGC, Retired, 88, passed away on Monday, September 27, 2021 with his family at his bedside. Tom was born in Detroit, MI to the late Robert Dale and Laura Snyder Lutton. The Lutton family moved to Coral Gables, FL where Tom was a 1951 graduate of Coral Gables High School. A 1955 graduate of the Coast Guard Academy, Tom was first assigned to the icebreaker EASTWIND where he participated in Arctic Dew Line construction and Antarctic Deepfreeze operations with Admiral Byrd. He entered basic flight training at Pensacola, Florida, in 1956. On completion o ...
Barbara Ann Tankersley Warth APR 11, 1940 - SEP 26, 2021
On September 26th the skies opened and Barbara Ann Tankersley Warth was received into the comfort of God's bosom. Born in Savannah, Georgia, April 11th 1940 to the late Ernest S. Tankersley and Barbara Ann Colley Tankersley, Ann lived a life of love, laughter, and compassion for all people she met. She spent her childhood in Midway, Georgia then attended and graduated from Young Harris College in 1959. She moved to Savannah where she met and married the love of her life Frederick Emil Warth, Jr. Together they were blessed with four children, Eric Stephen, Brian Keith, Andrea Leigh, a ...
Vivian Anderson Rahn DEC 17, 1948 - SEP 26, 2021
Vivian Anderson Rahn departed her amazing, wonderful life on September 26, 2021, with her children by her side. Vivian was born on December 17, 1948, in Elberton, GA as the youngest of three girls to the late James Wester and Alma Smith Anderson. She married her high school sweetheart and love of her life, Hugh Parker Rahn (Hugo), and they lived the majority of their life in Richmond Hill, Ga . Vivian was predeceased by her parents and husband. She is survived by her son, Wess Shannon Rahn (Kim); daughter, Amy Rahn Markowitz (Brian); four grandchildren, Hunter Rahn (Victor ...
Eddie M. Stewart - SEP 25, 2021
Eddie Marion Stewart earned his angel wings on Saturday, September 25, 2021 after an extended illness with Parkinson’s. Eddie, known as “Fast Eddie” and “Trouble” passed away at St. Joseph’s Hospital at age 77. He was married to Brenda Hadwin Stewart for 53 years (her very best friend) and has two beautiful sons, Dustin Shayne Stewart and Christopher Marion Stewart who knew their dad was always there through all the ups and downs and taught them to enjoy every moment that life has to offer. He also has one daughter-in-law, Amy Stewart, who adored ...
Arthur L. "Artie" King, III FEB 22, 1957 - SEP 24, 2021
Arthur “Artie” L. King, III, 64, of Savannah, passed away peacefully on the morning of September 24, 2021. Artie was born on February 22, 1957, in Savannah, Georgia. He graduated from Nativity of Our Lord School and Benedictine Military School, class of 1975. Following high school, he worked for CSX railroad for fifteen years. He later went on to work many years in the restaurant industry. He most enjoyed his time as a co-owner of Gallagher’s Restaurant in Savannah and Casserole King’s in Atlanta. His favorite times of year were Opening Day for the Braves and a big Geor ...
Leslie Hefner Davis NOV 03, 1961 - SEP 24, 2021
Leslie Hefner Davis died September 24. Leslie was born November 3, 1961 in Hickory, NC. She grew up in Greenville, SC, and lived most of her adult life in Savannah, GA. She graduated from Eastside High School, from The College of Charleston, and received her Masters of Education from Cambridge University. Leslie taught elementary school in Savannah/Chatham County for 28 years. She had returned to teaching this year after previously retiring. Leslie was a dedicated mother of two and an entire community. She worked tirelessly at making sure everyone aro ...
Martha Taylor Shackelford AUG 14, 1931 - SEP 24, 2021
Martha Taylor Shackelford, 90, of Richmond, VA and Wilmington Island, GA, formerly of Petersburg, VA, died September 24, 2021. Born and raised in Savannah, Georgia, she was the daughter of the late Charles Walter Taylor and Mary Elizabeth Jones Taylor. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 50 years, Gordon Deshler Shackelford Jr.; and her brother, Charles Walter Taylor Jr. She is survived by her son, Gordon Taylor Shackelford; and her daughter, Martha Dabney Shackelford of Richmond; and her sister, Jane Taylor Torrance of Savannah; as well as several nieces and nephews ...
John A. Shallal, M.D. NOV 22, 1942 - SEP 23, 2021
John A. Shallal, M.D. was born November 22, 1942, in Telkaif, Iraq into a strong and solid Chaldean Catholic family. One of ten siblings, he and his family immigrated to Detroit, Michigan in the late 1950’s where he was instilled with great spiritual strength,confidence, and promise. Realizing his immense intellectual capacity, the Jesuit University of Detroit admitted him at the age of sixteen to their College of Engineering and graduated three years later with honors with dual degrees in Electrical Engineering and Advanced Mathematics and Quantum Physics. He was quickly re ...
Jill Gallagher - SEP 22, 2021
Jill (Rein) Gallagher, 50, passed away on Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at St Joseph’s Emory hospital after a brief illness. Jill born May 30, 1971. She was the youngest daughter of James K Rein & Corma (Tilley) Rein. She is survived by her husband Laurence Gallagher (Atlanta)) her sisters Jennifer (Rein) Tarbox, Pamela (Rein) Avinger, siter-in-law Layla Gallagher (Chicago) and brother-in-law Ryan Gallagher. She also leaves behind several loving nieces and nephews. Jill didn’t have any children but she had her fur baby Scruffy, who is lost without her. Jill graduate ...
Anna Marie Aliffi MAY 27, 1981 - SEP 22, 2021
Anna Marie Aliffi, age 40, of Savannah, Georgia, died peacefully on September 22, 2021. Anna had bravely endured a lifelong struggle with Muscular Dystrophy and a recent extended battle with pneumonia prior to her passing. Anna was born May 27, 1981, in Atlanta, Georgia to Francis Earl “Frank” Aliffi, Jr. and Joan Shoemaker Aliffi. She was graduate of Groves High School in Garden City, Georgia Preceding Anna in death are her mother, father, and a sister, Valerie. Anna was also preceded in death by her grandparents, Frank Aliffi Sr. and LaVeta Felton Aliffi, Louis C. Shoemaker ...
Donna Heinz Hanlon - SEP 21, 2021
Donna Lee Heinz Hanlon age 82 died peacefully on 2l September 202I, surrounded by her husband and two sons at The Marshes on Skidaway Island. She was born on October 1,1938 in Holbrook, Long Island, NY, to Edward Bronson Heinz and Estelle Frances Egan. She is survived by her husband of 60 years Daniel E. Hanlon III, a son Daniel E. Hanlon IV and his wife Denise of W. Townsend, MA, a son James Matthew Hanlon and his wife Denise of Sharon MA, five grandchildren, Alexandra Alyce Hanlon, Nathan James Hanlon, Victoria Marie Hanlon, Daniel E. Hanlon V and Megan MacAu ...
Mary Helen Exley Everette JAN 02, 1944 - SEP 21, 2021
Mary Helen Exley Everette passed away on Tuesday, September 21st at Candler Hospital. Helen was born on January 2,1944 in Savannah, Georgia. She graduated from Savannah High School and was a homemaker for many years before working for nearly two decades at The Christmas Shop and later Belk. After retirement, she spent time in Burlington, Vermont and Portland, Oregon before returning to Savannah. She was extremely creative and artistic and used her talents to design and string fine jewelry. She was self-taught and created pieces using pearls and semi-precious stones for several jewelry ...
Regina Marie Rocca Nelson & Mary Cathryn Finocchairo - SEP 21, 2021
Regina Marie Rocca Nelson (82), and her sister and best friend, Mary Cathryn Finocchairo (88), passed away one month apart. Regina on August 21, 2021 and Mary Cathryn on September 21, 2021. The "Rocca" girls were inseparable their entire lives. They grew up in Savannah Georgia, and both attended Sacred Heart School and St. Vincent's Academy. They both attended St. James Catholic church. Mary Cathryn practiced as a Registered Nurse for a short time before the birth of her son, Michael in 1959. She graduated from St. Joseph's Infirmary in Atlanta in 1954. Regina att ...