Rebecca Ulmer Etheridge

   Rebecca Ulmer Etheridge, age 85, of Savannah, GA, passed away Sunday, October 5, 2025, at her home surrounded by her family. She is survived by her loving husband of over 60 years of marriage, Earl Etheridge; sons, Lee Etheridge (Becky) of Evans, GA, and Robert Etheridge (David) of Savannah, GA; grandsons, Collin Etheridge and Mason Etheridge of Evans, GA; brother, John Ulmer (Marty) of Knoxville, TN; beloved cousin, Fayelynn Mancuso (Joe) of New Orleans, LA; in-laws, Bill Etheridge (Liz, Wylonette decd.) of Starkville, MS, and Nancy Martin (Bobby decd.) of Walnut Hill, FL; and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her mother, Marion Ellzey Ulmer; father, Oliver Washburn Ulmer; and sister-in-law, Delaurace MacDonald. Additionally, she is survived by her chosen family members: The Muncy Family (Bob, Kathryn, Katrina, Kristi), The Bowman Family (BJ, Craig, Jacqui, Harper, Stan, decd.), Cheryl Kimball, Joseph Conner, and the members of her Sunday School class at Southside Baptist Church. She loved her family with all her heart.

   As the wife of the “Coach”, she held her own. A little known family secret, but she was the force that brought the “Coach” to Savannah as newlyweds. Her husband, a college baseball pitcher with a business degree, was a hard sell in 1963 to the school system. It was her master’s degree in Speech Pathology that started an incredible life in Savannah. In August of 1963, she became the first speech pathologist in Savannah Chatham County Public Schools and her husband, an assistant coach at Savannah High School.

   Becky lived a life of service to the community. Her grandfather was a county sheriff, her mother worked in the school system, and her father helped build many of the nation's largest infrastructure projects. She was raised by individuals who instilled the importance of service and giving back to the community, a value that seemed effortless and one she passed along to her children and grandchildren.

   Becky loved her older brother, John. As it was told, she was his shadow, especially during the summers at her grandparents’ house. It was love at first sight when her cousin Fayelynn was born. Fayelynn remembers that Becky taught all those around her to take time to listen and inspire them to be better people. Fayelynn would dress up in Becky’s formal gowns, especially the red sparkly one. It was a magical time for both. These special moments showed those in her life how to give and to feel loved.

   One of the original “boy” moms, she was always shuttling the neighborhood kids to and from practice. Occasionally, she was the neighborhood ambulance driver to St Joseph's. She served as president of Windsor Forest Swim Team, Savannah Swim Team, and the Savannah Coastal Swim League. With the help of Cynthia Bosson, they started a Sunday school for individuals with developmental disabilities at Southside Baptist Church. She found gratification in fellowship, ministering, and providing meals to the families of critically ill patients at Memorial Hospital. In addition, her work with Delta Kappa Gamma ensured that women would be afforded opportunities to continue to reach children in a broad range of educational settings. In every area of her life, she was an educator. She had a true Christian heart and spirit. She was God's willing servant as long as her health allowed.

   Becky lived her life out loud, and what a blessing it was to have listened. Katrina Muncy Blankenship remembers that “she never left a doubt as to how deeply she loved in her words, deeds, and actions”. As a wife, mother, and Mema, she was the epitome of a nurturing blend, with a hint of Louisiana spice. She could wrangle a one-hundred-plus-pound dog while simultaneously grabbing two pool towels and putting a fresh pitcher of sweet tea in the refrigerator. She was known for showing up with a little “just because” gift she called a “happy,” and was able to communicate a life lesson through a soft, yet firm, voice. If you ever heard her whisper, “Let me tell you something...” it was time to stand at attention. In both cases, the recipient was left with no doubt of the depth of her care. She advocated for all of God’s children and made a way for countless people to communicate due to her gift as a speech therapist. She taught “boy mom” skills as well as “wife of a coach” lessons. She did both with grace, coupled with grit.

   BJ, she loved you. No words can tell you how grateful we are to have your love in return. In her final days, Kristi Muncy Ogletree showed her unwavering love to Becky. Your willingness to step in and help was a God-sent act. Becky looked forward hearing from Pam and Rebecca Walker thank you for your visits and for making them frequent. Nothing made her happier than to have guests, especially her family. The family is eternally grateful for all the love and care each of you gave to Becky. A special thank you to Coastal Care Partners, notably, Tammy Gatch, Tonya Gay-Hillis, Nicole Hall, Kimberly Industrious, Sabrina Bellinger and Trisha Alderman at Hospice Savannah. You are all family now. “To have been loved by you will be a lasting source of peace and hope until that day when we are together once more”.

   The greatest gift she left to all was her example of faith. No one deserves the status of good and faithful servant more than she does, which makes the promise of Heaven all the sweeter. May those who have loved and held her dear strive to embody all we learned from her. May our own memories start with, “Let me tell you something...” and continue with a story of Carolyn Rebecca Ulmer Etheridge and the indelible impact she left on our hearts.

   Honorary Pallbearers will be Andre Stafford, Kevin Smith, Paul O’Connell, Mitchel “Mouse” Minick, Jessie Crews, Tim Adams, David Jarrell, Jeff Ulmer, Christopher Ulmer, Russell Martin, and Paul Etheridge.

   The family will be receiving friends from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon followed by the funeral service at 12:00 noon, Saturday, October 11, 2025 at Southside Baptist Church, 5502 Skidaway Road Savannah, GA 31406.