Joanne Kandel Leaf, 95, of Savannah, Georgia entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, March 31st, 2026, surrounded by her family in her home of 64 years.
Joanne was born to Harry and Estelle Kandel and raised in downtown Savannah. She graduated from Savannah High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Education from Georgia State College for Women in 1951. She spent her career educating students in Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools, most notably at Butler Elementary School where she met her forever friend Debbie Debrauwere. Joanne’s greatest accomplishment, however, was raising 5 children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren with her loving and devoted husband of 56 years, Hunter.
Joanne leaves behind to be grateful for her love, laughter, and wisdom, her children, Hunter (Joyce Ann) Leaf III, Jan (Johnnie) Wiggins, Harry Leaf, Kathy Leaf, and Karen (Terry) Otto; her grandchildren, Chris (Amanda) Jenkins, Blake (Beth Ann) Jenkins, Clint (Kate) Jenkins, Joanna (Trey) Brooks, Whitney (Derek) Hamm, Jordan (McKenzie) Cicero-Otto, Skylar Leaf, and Isabelle Leaf; and great-grandchildren, Jacie Jenkins, Randy Jenkins, Collyn Jenkins, Maggie Jenkins, Taylor Jenkins, Case Jenkins, James Brooks, Matthew Hamm, Hunter Brooks, Lizzie Hamm, Piper Brooks, and Marin Brooks, as well as many others who affectionately called her “Nana”.
Joanne was preceded in death by her husband, Hunter Leaf Jr., her parents, Harry and Estelle Kandel, her sister and brother-in-law, Phillippa and Bob Paddison, her brother and sister-in-law George and Nancy Kandel, her sister-in-law and brother-in-law Nancy and Saxon Wolfe, her son-in-law, Randy Jenkins, her daughter-in-law, Cathy Leaf, and her granddaughter, Annie Cogdell.
Joanne was a big fan of black coffee, crossword puzzles, Braves baseball, black licorice Jelly Beans, and a good Old Fashioned, but she wasn’t much for being the center of attention. Therefore, a private memorial service will be held to honor her wishes and her legacy.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that remembrances be made to St. Thomas Episcopal Church at 2 St. Thomas Avenue, Savannah, Ga 31406, where Joanne was known and loved as “The Cookie Lady”.
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Sandi and Jeff Davis Family
Oh how we loved our “Nana Savannah”. She was one of a kind who shared her heart and her love so well. We can all strive to live a life that she did. Her spirit was contagious and so calming to be around. Her humor was was plentiful as well. She will be so missed by so many. We were so blessed to have her in our lives and the impact that she had on us will carry on. Hugs to all who loved her dearly like we did. Thank God for giving us so many years with Nana Savannah.
Nancy Nowell Sturgess
So sorry to hear of Mrs Leaf’s passing. Her husband and my dad taught little league baseball. As a child I spent many days at Bacon Park. She was always the kindest sweet person to be around. Many good memories of her and the days of little league .
Tina Louise Frazier -Suttles
I miss Mrs. leaf, She was my favorite teacher in Butler Elm. My family loves her much so , God bless 🙏🙏 from your former student Tina Louise Frazier-Suttles
Deborah A Johnson
I was honored to have Mrs. Leaf for my second grade teacher. She was one of my favorite teachers that I still talk about . Go rest in Jesus arms . Thanks for making me the woman I am today .
Sharon Coursey Eichelberger
This truly breaks my heart, she was the most amazing woman I have ever met. She came into my life when I was only in first grade and always made me feel that I was seen and heard when no one else did. I love this woman from the bottom of my heart, she would even take me home on the weekends to help me read. My life would not be what it is without Mrs Leaf . I feel blessed that the Lord put her in my life at such a young age. She will always be remembered and always be in my heart, and she truly was an angel on earth, so she’s probably one of the most amazing angels in heaven. She will never be forgotten. I love you, Mrs Leaf 😇❤️💖🥰
Paula Summerlin
There are no words, worthy to describe the loss of this great lady.
“Mrs. Leaf,” was a beautiful light, an inspiration and gift to all who were blessed to encounter her.
Thank you, and love you sweet lady!
-Paula and Shannon Summerlin