Annette Durham Wardlaw

Annette Durham Wardlaw, 93, passed away at home on March 16, 2023 surrounded by
her children.

Annette was born November 26, 1929 in Greene County, Georgia, the daughter of
Charles Manning and Annie Heath Durham. She was the 5th of 8 children.

She graduated from the Macon Hospital School of Nursing in January 1951.

Annette met her husband Jack Wardlaw in 1947. Jack and Annette were blessed with 7
children who they raised across the southeast, eventually planting roots in Savannah in
1961.

She retired with over 35 years in nursing at Memorial Hospital. During her time at
Memorial she rose to the position of Head Nurse of the Med-Surg floor. Annette’s role
involved caring for patients as they recovered from surgery where her loving and caring
personality truly shined day to day. She was respected and loved by her peers, staff
and the physicians she worked with to care for many, many patients over the span of
her career.

Annette was an active member of Windsor Forest Baptist Church and devoted her free
time to various church ministries since 1961. Annette could be found teaching Sunday
School to both children and adults, and volunteering to serve in the nursery. She was
an active member of the Gleaner’s Sunday School Class, Christian Women’s Luncheon
Group, and The Sunshiners, all of which she attended dutifully until she was no longer
able to attend in person. Annette’s children and grandchildren often attended church
with her and can attest to her love of the members there due to the hour it would take
for her goodbyes prior to departing the weekly service.

Annette was the cherished matriarch of her large family, most of which reside in the
Savannah area and will miss her dearly. She had a kind soul, a personality that never
met a stranger, and was known for her generosity. Annette’s 93 years were filled with
cherished memories of her children and grandchildren and she was delighted by every
baby born to her family. She adored spending time with her children and grandchildren
during her Tuesday night dinners and attended many a sporting event, school play, and
birthday party. She always had a four-legged companion around her home and enjoyed
time outside tending her garden as well as feeding the birds, squirrels, and raccoons.

Annette is preceded in death by her husband, Jack Wardlaw, son Dennis Wardlaw, and
six sisters.

She is survived by her children, Jan Davis (Herb), Beth Scully (Jim), Jack Wardlaw, Kim
McCumber, Jerry Wardlaw (Teresa), Kathy Cunningham (Larry), Terri Cullina (Michael);
her brother Charles Durham (Betty); and multiple nieces and nephews.

Grandma “‘Nette” is survived by 39 grandchildren, 37 great-grand children, and her
family continues to grow. She is also survived by many “adopted” children and
grandchildren, as she welcomed and encouraged friends and their family to join her
family at every holiday and family dinner.

Annette’s family would like to thank her caregivers for all they have done for her and our
family. We thank you for the comfort and care you provided to our mother and
grandmother. Our words cannot describe our appreciation for all you have done Regina,
Ann, Pam, Felicia, Ursula, and the staff of Hospice Savannah.

Visitation will be on Monday, March 20,2023 from 5 until 7pm at Baker McCullough
Funeral Home, Hodgson Memorial Chapel. Service honoring her life on Tuesday, March
21, 2023, 11am, Windsor Forest Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, we would ask that donations be made in her honor to Windsor Forest
Baptist Church, 12521 White Bluff Road, Savannah, Georgia 31419.