Faye Ruth Kirschner passed away on May 23, 2026, at the age of 81 at her home in Savannah. She was the daughter of the late Pauline Odrezin Kirschner and the late Herman Kirschner. Faye was born on October 15, 1944, in Savannah.

She graduated from Savannah High School before earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education from Georgia Southern University and her Master of Education degree in Health and Physical Education from the University of Georgia. After graduating cum laude from each of her collegiate programs, Faye pursued a lifelong career specializing in education and athletics.

Faye was widely known for her accomplishments in both cross country and tennis. For more than three decades, she successfully competed in numerous athletic events including the Tybee Marathon and the Bridge Run 5K and 10K. In 2006, she placed first in her age group in the 5K division, continuing a streak of victories over the following three years. Faye’s love of competition was never more evident than when she returned to competition and placed third in the 10K division in both 2015 and 2016 after suffering a femur fracture and heart attack. Faye’s determination and resilience was an inspiration to all who knew her. Although she did not begin playing tennis until after graduate school, the sport quickly became her passion. Competing in tournaments throughout Georgia and beyond, her athleticism and perseverance earned her two No. 1 singles rankings in the state. In 1984, she achieved her certification through the Professional Tennis Registry which was one of her proudest accomplishments.

After 18 years of competitive play, Faye joined Armstrong State University in 1996 as a faculty member in the Health and Physical Education Department. That same year, she received the Distinguished Alumni Award for her contributions to the university’s foundation. She later received the Notable Alumni Award in 2011 and the Alumni Director’s Non-Board Volunteer of the Year Award in 2015. In 2016, the Student Government Association honored her as an “Armstrong Hero” for her dedication, social responsibility, and professionalism. In 2017, Armstrong State University inducted Faye into its Athletic Hall of Fame as the recipient of the Service Citation Award. A devoted supporter of Armstrong Athletics, she established the Faye Kirschner Scholarship for student-athletes, contributed to the university’s athletic lighting fund, and supported the Phase Two development of the tennis complex. She was a constant presence at Armstrong athletic events and remained deeply committed to supporting student-athletes and the university community.

Throughout her combined 54 years of teaching in the Chatham County School System and at Armstrong State University, Faye taught thousands of students the fundamentals of tennis and inspired in them a lifelong love of the game. In recognition of her dedication and contributions to Georgia Southern University Athletics, the university dedicated Court 3 at the Wallis Tennis Center as the Faye R. Kirschner Court, where her signature is permanently displayed courtside. Faye continued teaching private tennis lessons up until the month of her passing.

Faye is survived by her partner of 23 years, Christine Addy of Savannah; her brother, David Kirschner (Elaine) of Atlanta; her nephew, Jared Kirschner (Brandy); her niece, Sandi Kirschner Krick (Lenny); her great-nephews, Cade Krick and Davis Kirschner; and her great-niece, Finley Kirschner, all of Atlanta. Cousins Rosalind and Donald Horowitz of New Jersey, Gary Horowitz (Chava) of Israel, Jill Horowitz (David) of New York, Louis Horowitz in North Carolina Robert and Rick Bono, Eva Odrezin, Larry and Judy Odrezin all from Savannah, Greg and Jamie Odrezin of Alabama.

A funeral service will be held at Bonaventure Cemetery on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 11:30 am with Rabbi Avi Nitekman officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to B'nai B'rith Jacob Synagogue or to the charity of your choice.

Faye's services will be live streamed via ZOOM: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/5052277485?pwd=TUVSU3ZMS2FXS09IcnJJbURtZWJHUT09&omn=88529240971