Archives for April 2015

Gary Leon Ellis

April 29, 2015 - 3 Condolences

Gary Leon Ellis, "Gug" of Rincon passed from this world in the early morning hours of Wednesday, April 29, 2015, with his beloved baby sister Tracey by his side. He was born May 18, 1959 to William and Betsy Ellis at Jennette General Hospital in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.

Gary fought the good fight but finally succumbed to the onslaught of fatal liver ailments reinforced by failing kidneys and exacerbated by Diabetes.

Proceeded in death by his father William P. Ellis of Munhall, Pennsylvania and by brother William J. Ellis of Norfolk, Virginia.

The ultimate "Jack-of-all-Trades" Gary never was an "every day 40 hour/wk." or "nine to fiver" type, his niche was his eye for making the unkempt eyesore into a work of art.

His passion was that of a Master Tinkerer nothing was off limits to him, if it was broke it needed

fixing and if it wasn’t broke it needed to be better. He took pride in his work no matter big or small. Self-taught, he had natural abilities to be an engineering type if he had chosen that path.

A crass tough guy outward appearance was deceiving, for Gary was a gentle kind hearted soul and an instant friend if you needed one.

When in the midst of his mother, sisters or any of the "gals" Gary never missed a chance to bring a ray of sunshine in the form of a flower whenever, wherever or whatever opportunity presented itself.

Gary is survived by his adoring mother, Betsy Mae Shaw of Circleville, Pennsylvania; and by his siblings in order of age, whom he lovingly and respectfully used nicknames; “Diamond” Dave Ellis and Lonna “Gutches” McElroy, both of North Huntington, Pennsylvania; Michael “Mikey” Ellis of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Jeffery “J.P.” Ellis of Suffolk Virginia; finally his comfort givers during his last days, Eleanor “Bunny-Boo” Zepkowski and baby sis and best friend, Tracey “Tray-Tray” Wright. The count of nephews,nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces as well as great nephews and great nieces would require a calculator to number.

Gug, you will be missed and you will be remembered.

Please leave your thoughts and rememberances on his Tribute Wall.

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Annie Mae Ward

April 24, 2015 - Leave a Condolence

Annie Mae Thompson born March 11, 1944 passed peacefully in her Savannah home at the age of 71 in the early morning of Friday, April 24, 2015 after a long illness. “Mrs. Annie” as she was affectionately called, was born in Gifford, South Carolina to the late Warren Thompson and the late Alene Thompson Hill. From their union, her parents had one son, Freeman and one daughter, Annie Mae. Annie’s family moved to Savannah where she met and married her best friend James Ward Jr., on October 25, 1963. From this union they had three children Johnny, Eric, and Mary (Melinda).

She did secretarial work, but her greatest work that she truly loved was teaching Bible truths and taking great care of her family. She dedicated her life to serving Jehovah and was baptized May 21, 1971 along with her husband. She became a full time preacher during that time and did the thing she loved most for 31 years. For those that know Annie she truly enjoyed the evangelizing work. She made sure she imparted a scriptural thought to all that she came in contact with and would be an encouraging hope for all. Annie enjoyed sewing too and taught many others to sew.

Annie is survived by her loving husband, James Ward Jr. (Savannah Ga.) Eldest son, Johnny (Janet) Ward (Brunswick, Ga.) Doting daughter, Mary Melinda Ward (Savannah, Ga.) preceded her in death her middle son, Eric Christopher Ward (Savannah, Ga). One brother, Freeman (Sandra) Thompson (Savannah, Ga.). First cousin, Ms. Deborah Gerrard-Allen (Ken) (Savannah, Ga) who was just like a sister to her. One granddaughter, Johnna Marie Ward. A host of adopted sons, daughters, nephews, nieces, cousins and friends from all over the world.

A memorial service will be Sunday, May 3, 2015 at 4:00pm, Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 630 East Henry St. Savannah, Ga. 31404. Officiated by Bobby Marcus.

Arrangements are handled by Families First Funeral Care and Cremation Center.

Thanks to ALL friends and family who have been a strong pillar of friendship (Proverbs 18:24), love and support during this tough time not only for our immediate family and friends but our extended families.

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Tyrone M. Armstrong

April 23, 2015 - Leave a Condolence

Tyrone M. Armstrong, age 71, of Savannah, passed away Thursday, April 23rd, 2015 at Memorial Health University Medical Center.

A native of Waukegan, Illinois, he was the son of Sam Armstrong and Dorothy Duncan Armstrong. A veteran of the United States Army, his service record included 22 months ‘in Country’ in Vietnam. Mr. Armstrong worked for 40 years as an electrician with Mill Com.

Preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Sandy and Betty, he is survived by his wife of forty-eight years,

Violet Armstrong; three sons, Lee Shonfelt, John Shonfelt (Janet) and Tyrone Armstrong, Jr. (Victoria); ten grandchildren: Robert, Ian, William, Juli and David Shonfelt; Nicole and Tristan Shonfelt, Brittany, Hailey, & Tyrone III. One great grandchild: Casandra Marie Shonfelt; a sister, Diane; and a brother Larry.

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Brenda Harris

April 22, 2015 - Leave a Condolence

Brenda Harris, age 66, of Savannah, passed away Wednesday, April 22nd, 2015 at her residence.

A native of Jersey City, New Jersey, she was born November 18, 1948 to Aaron Harris and Eleanor Dresham Harris. She moved to Savannah, Georgia in 2006. Brenda has been in the Nursing profession for 37 years as a Licensed Practical Nurse who especially enjoyed caring for the elderly.

She was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, and friend. She enjoyed life, and the people who were a part of hers. She loved the Lord with all her heart.

Preceded in death by her parents and two sons, Mark La Forte and Kenric La Forte, she is survived by a daughter Tracie La Forte and four sons Kevin La Forte (Hope) of Virginia, Casey La Forte of Savannah, Aaron La Forte (Benita) of North Carolina, and Moses La Forte of Virginia; sixteen grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

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Toni Marie Scomo

April 21, 2015 - Leave a Condolence

Toni Marie Scomo, age 68 passed away at Memorial Hospital in Savannah on Tuesday, April 21st 2015 from complications due to Lymphoma.

Born in Philadelphia PA on March 23rd 1947, she lived in Medford NJ and worked as office manager for their Irrigation and Landscaping business until retiring to Savannah in 2008.

Toni is remembered for her loving, unselfish, very giving nature and devotion to her granddaughters who were first and foremost in her life.

She is survived by her faithful husband of 46 years Bob Scomo, son Mark Scomo, daughter-in-law Hayley Scomo and granddaughters Marissa Bella and Cecilia Grace. She is preceded in death by her parents Louis & Jennie Dramis and her sisters Angela and Eleanor.

Services will be held at 10am Monday April 27th 2015 at Hillcrest Abbey West Cemetery 1336 Dean Forest Rd, Savannah GA.

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