Delma "Debbie" H. Saxman

Heaven welcomed home a precious child of God in the early morning hours of July 11th , 2025. Delma Saxman or Debbie, as most people called her, died peacefully at home under the care of Hospice Savannah.

She was born on August 9th, 1939, in Columbia Tennessee to Lorene and James Howell, the 4th child of 5 children. Preceded in death by her brother James, Jr and Sister, Dalton Howell McPeak. Debbie is survived by her sisters, Libby Howell Cummins and Barbara Howell Cheeks, which both reside in Tennessee. Debbie enjoyed talking about her connection to the Cherokee nation. Her great grandmother was full blooded Cherokee. 

Debbie’s dedication to the church begins very early with singing in the choir, being active in all youth activities and regular church service attendance. This dedication followed her into adulthood and her life here in Savannah Georgia.

She was a faithful member at Bull Street Baptist Church and continued service through singing in the choir and various hospitality events at the church and in her home. Debbie weas well known for her great gift of hospitality, hosting many graduation parties, bridal showers, baby showers, Bible study groups, and numerous fellowship meals.

Debbie and Bill owned the Whitaker Huntingdon Inn, which was the perfect location for all these events. They begin their life together December 28th , 1991, and opened the Inn as a bed and breakfast in 1993.

Debbie’s major career was with colonial oil. She began as a switchboard operator and after only 6 months, her value as a skilled, dedicated employee was recognized and was promoted to the human resource department, where she remained for over 20 years, not only as an employee, but the also saw her Worth on the Colonial softball team.

Debbie is sadly missed by her husband Bill; her sisters, Barbara and Libby, and her children Janna Oliver (Chris), Genna Heaton (Paul), Tina Dal Budak (Cem) and David Saxman (Rene); 5 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, and as well a host of friends.

Continued prayers are appreciated, as they face the days, weeks, and months ahead.

The family will receive friends 10 o'clock until 11 o'clock Tuesday morning at Gamble Funeral Service, 410 Stephenson Avenue, Savannah. Funeral services will follow in the funeral home chapel at 11 o'clock. Interment will be in Hillcrest Abbey East Cemetery, Savannah.