Effie P. Karatassos

Effie P. Karatassos, age 84, peacefully fell asleep in the Lord early Thursday, May 18th.

She was born and raised in Savannah and was the cherished daughter of Pano I. Karatassos and Theona (Donkar) Karatassos. Effie graduated from Savannah High School in 1957 and began her career by assisting at the family deli and restaurant, Pano's Food Shop. She later joined Metropolitan Life Insurance, where she worked until her early retirement to care for her parents at home.

A gifted artist, Effie pursued her passion at the Savannah College of Art and Design and graduated as the valedictorian of the class of 1986. Her talents were evident from a young age as she made creations for her elementary teachers at the Charles Ellis School. She and her twin sister Elaine, designed many murals, signs for St. Paul's and for the Social Security Administration Fair booths. Her entire life was devoted to her Faith at St. Paul's Greek Orthodox Church, keeping with the Holy Traditions and teachings. She sang in the choir, chanted, taught Sunday school, used her artistry to design the floral decorations for the Feast Days of the church, and was an integral steward of the annual Greek Festival. To her, the happiest place to be was always at the church.

Throughout her life, Effie's love extended to people, particularly children. Alongside her twin sister Elaine, she often made time to play games and activities with family, friends, and neighborhood children. Effie shared her artistic skills with young ones in the "Twins' Studio". In her later years, she selflessly served her beloved, now deceased, aunts and uncles by visiting them and assisting with errands whenever needed.

She is survived by her brother, Ignatius Pano Karatassos and his wife Georgia (Tissoura) of Atlanta; her sister Elsie P. Karatassos: and many adoring nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her parents, her beloved twin sister, Elaine; sister Evanthia (Dukakis); brother in law, Stratos G. Dukakis; and brother, Eli.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to St. Paul's Greek Orthodox Church, 14 West Anderson Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401.
https://stpaulsgoc.org/donateonline

A visitation will be held 6:00 p.m. Sunday, May 21, 2023 at St. Paul's Greek Orthodox Church, 14 W Anderson Street, Savannah, Georgia 31404.

A Trisagion Service will begin at 6:30 p.m. after visitation with a reception following at the Hellenic Center.

A Funeral Service will be held 1:00 p.m. Monday, May 22, 2023 at St. Paul's Greek Orthodox Church with Father Thomas Guerry and Father John A. Caparisos officiating the service.

A burial will follow at Greenwich Cemetery, 330 Greenwich Road, Savannah, Georgia 31404.