JoAnn Leonard Aulwes had a heart of gold which stopped beating on October 23.
She was born in Savannah on October 3, 1942, and attended Cathedral Day School and St. Vincent’s Academy (Class of 1960). JoAnn held many office jobs starting at City Hall and ending up with her favorite two at Benedictine and then St. Vincents. Her happy smile and way of making things run smoothly were always welcomed. The fact that she was a lovely AND efficient addition to an office didn’t hurt! JoAnn’s true love was family….and a large family it is! Michelle played basketball at SVA and in college and JoAnn became a basketball fan; her grandson ,John Michael Gant, played baseball…and she became a baseball fan! When granddaughter, Mallory, graduated with her SERE certification through the United States Air Force in Spokane, WA, JoAnn was there along with much of the family. In retirement, JoAnn lived overlooking the Bull River and frequently posted beautiful photos of life on the river.
JoAnn was predeceased by her parents, John Leonard, Chief of Savannah Fire Department and 1975 Grand Marshall of St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Edna Leonard, a fixture at Hogan’s Department Store as well as husbands, E. I. “Buddy” Phillips, Gene “Gator” Harvey, and Phil Aulwes.
She is survived by her sister, Mary Ellen Leonard, “adopted” sister, Shirley Jarriel, and brothers, John and Michael (Kay) Leonard; daughter Michelle Gant(Johnny); sons Keith Phillips (Julia) and Mark Harvey (Carissa) ; granddaughters Mallory, Madison and Jenna Gant; grandson John Michael Gant (Alyssa); numerous Leonard and Herb relatives and a host of other Irish relatives as well as a few not lucky enough to be Irish.
JoAnn was a member of the Daughters of Ireland and designated a QUEEN . She enjoyed bridge and travel and had a black belt in shopping.
The family will be receiving friends 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 27, 2023 at Baker McCullough Funeral Home, 7415 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Savannah, Georgia 31406.
A memorial service will take place directly after visitation at 11:00 a.m. in our Hodgson Memorial Chapel with the Reverend Father Patrick O'Brien officiating.
Inurnment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Saint Vincent's Academy or Saint Jude's Children's Hospital or a charity of your choice.
https://www.svaga.net/donate/
https://www.stjude.org/donate