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Robert Matthew Hoffmeier, age 56 and known to all simply as “Matt”, passed away peacefully on November 21, 2024, in his Bluffton, SC home. While he had lost his vision years ago, he lived independently and had been assisted by his beloved German Shepherd guide dog, Wonder. He is remembered by friends and family for a clever, self effacing humor, always quick with a pun or unexpected turn of phrase.

He is survived by two older sisters, Virginia Marie “Ginny” Hoffmeier and Andrea Hoffmeier Wilson (Robert “Rob” Wilson), and a younger brother, Mark John Hoffmeier. Matt stoically endured the progression of the ultra-rare maternally inherited mitochondrial disease, LHON-Plus (Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy-Plus), which is progressive and neurodegenerative. Following his sister, Andrea’s enrollment in an LHON-Plus pre-clinical study preceding the basket Clinical Trial with The Chiaramello Lab at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, and its associated Mito-EpiGen Program, Matt had also been a trial candidate. He and Wonder enjoyed the adventure to DC to be evaluated, and have a biopsy taken at The Chiaramello Lab’s clinical partner, Children’s National Medical Center. Irony was one of Matt’s delights, and he wryly remarked that he must be “going back to the future”, seeing a pediatric specialist. Dr. Anne Chiaramello noted Matt’s profound and multi-systemic mitochondrial phenotypes and was impressed how well he managed to continue living independently. That was Matt; he lived on his own terms until the end.

Matt earned his BS in Building Science from Clemson University, and prior to losing his vision, he had an impressive career in construction management, including achieving Lifetime LEED Professional Accreditation. While his last full-time employer did not realize his potential to continue contributing, Matt was unstoppable.

He had written his own estimating software, when he found the industry standard version insufficient, so he knew every column, formula and system by heart. Matt found opportunities with the enlightened few (including Jay Auld, who also brought him on his DC adventure with Wonder to see Dr. Chiaramello); who realized that, with the right adaptations and enough lead time, he could still be productive.

Beyond productivity, Matt was effective in client meetings and could ferret out errors in bids or specifications with an astounding attention to detail. This perseverance remains an inspiration to countless others affected by rare diseases and facing disabilities. Matt was also generous with his time, in advising others with vision impairments about his immense knowledge about ever-evolving gadgets and assistive technology.

Matt briefly dabbled in stand-up comedy, but live music performances by singer-songwriters, especially those with stories to share, were his greatest joy. A raucous celebration of life is being planned, to be held in concert with (that pun’s for you, Matt) music by all his favorite singer-songwriters and some story-telling sprinkled in; venue, date and time to be determined.

One of Matt’s great delights was releasing Wonder from duty, as instructed by Fildeco, with the exuberant, extended falsetto, “FREE!” Matt is now truly FREE; Flying free as a bird now. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to support The Chiaramello Lab at George Washington University research which Matt so admired.

PLEASE BE SURE TO USE THE LINK PROVIDED BELOW, AS OTHER PAGES ON GW WEBSITE DO NOT LEAD TO DONATION PAGE FOR CHIARAMELLO LAB RESEARCH FUND:

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Bernice Wilson Chavis, 88, of Savannah, Georgia passed away peacefully on November 17, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on May 21, 1936, in Savannah, Georgia, Bernice was the daughter of Julius and Idella Jennings. She had two siblings, Lawrence and Lottie Bell Loadholt, who all preceded her in death. She was a proud 1954 graduate of Woodville High School and after graduation became a devoted stay at home mother for several years until she entered the workforce in the late 1980’s as a Home Health Aide for Quality Health Care of Savannah. In 1954 she married James R. Wilson, who preceded her in death. From this union, they had three children, James, Julius, and Denise Wilson. In 1964, she married Robert Chavis, who also preceded her in death, and from this union, they had two children, Larry and Gary Chavis.

Bernice’s warmth, kindness, and selfless nature touched everyone she met. Her life was a testament to her love of family, faith, and community. She was a member of Brampton Baptist Church, where she served for many years.

As a resident of William’s Court, she was an active member of the Red Hat Society and the Diabetic Support Group where she made many great friends and was loved by all. An avid knitter and crocheter, Bernice was known for her beautiful pieces which she skillfully designed.

She leaves to cherish her memories and celebrate her life her children James Wilson, Julius Wilson, Denise Wilson Martin (Darrell), Larry Chavis, and Gary Chavis, her nine grandchildren, Tamika Ford, Nicole Freeman (Reginald), Daria Martin, Shaniya Wilson, Gary Chavis, Jr., Darius Williams (Jordan), Tenaiya Chavis, David Chavis (Selena), Keeara Chavis, fourteen great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and a host of friends.

Bernice will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her legacy of love will live on in the hearts of those she touched.

The family will be receiving friends 1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at Families First Funeral Care & Cremation Center, 1328 Dean Forest Road, Savannah, Georgia 31405.

A funeral service will begin at 1:30 p.m. with Bishop Otis Shipp officiating.

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