A note from DHS principal Lauri McKain-Fernandez informs Decatur High families that Imani Thompson-Twine (class of 2011) died of a stroke while representing the school in the Governor’s Honors Program for dance in Valdosta, Georgia this week.  “This is a significant loss to our school community. She was a lovely young lady.”, writes McKain-Fernandez in her letter.

The funeral is this Saturday at 11am at Travellers Rest Baptist Church 4650 Flat Shoals Pkway Decatur, GA 30034

Notes to the family may be sent to: Ms. Stephanie Thompson-Harris 494 Orchid Walk Stone Mountain, GA 30087.

From Agnes Scott College…

Ruth Schmidt, Agnes Scott College’s first female president and an early champion of campus diversity and international study, passed away May 24 at the age of 79.

A service in celebration of her life will be held at North Decatur Presbyterian Church, 611 Medlock Road, on Thursday, May 27 at 2 p.m. A reception will follow in the church’s fellowship hall. Plans are underway for a service at Agnes Scott in June.

Schmidt served as president of Agnes Scott from 1982 until 1994, ushering in many changes at the college. Among her priorities as president were international education for students and increased diversity among faculty and students. During her tenure the Julia Thompson Smith Chaplaincy was established.

Much more on President Schmidt’s legacy HERE.

Says former Agnes Scott English Professor Dr. Linda Hubert of the career planning office developed by the late Ione Murphy in Thursday’s AJC…

“It was an office that was sensitive to the evolving needs of women,” she said. “Ione saw a huge need and took it upon herself to fill it. I don’t know that it wouldn’t have happened without her, but it certainly happened with her. She was very much a feminist in that she saw the worth of a woman. She put a lot of energy in that pursuit.”

Ione Murphy died this past Sunday from complications of emphysema and kidney cancer at the age of 93.

Scott D sends in Mr. Mallas’ obiturary and adds…

“Anyone that was in Decatur during the 70′s – 90′s went to the Square Table….the owner Speros Millas passed away the other day…..the Square Table was located next to Leon’s in the Eurasia site and was a fixture in Decatur….he was a great community businessman and friend to all patrons…”

Read the full obituary after the jump.

Read the rest of this entry »

Sad news.

Decatur Active Living reports over on 231 Sycamore that Seniors/Keenagers Coordinator, Christine Lewis, passed away over the weekend from complications from a stroke.  She was 57 years-old.

My deepest condolences to her family, friends and coworkers.

James writes in about the sudden passing of Quincy, who worked regularly behind the prescription counter at Decatur’s downtown CVS pharmacy.   According to James, Quincy died from an asthma attack this past Sunday in Augusta while visiting his mother.  He continues…

He was peculiar in how genuinely positive and nice he was, and the only reason my wife and I were willing to keep filling our prescriptions there. Everyone in the pharmacy had stunned looks on their faces yesterday evening, and the person I asked about what had happened practically broke down when telling me. She commented that he was the only reason she continued working in that location. I asked her to find out from his mother whether there was some place a donation could be made in his name. She’s going to look into it.

Obviously, his day job was only one facet of his life, but probably how most people in town would have known and recognized him.  Hopefully we can learn more about him as the day continues.

Deepest condolences to Quincy’s friends and family.

Steve writes in that Decatur Realtor and community supporter, Ruth Golley, has passed away.

InDecatur has details on the service from Elife’s Andrea Berry…

Decatur High School parent and realtor Ruth Golley, 51, passed away on October 9, 2008. A memorial service will be held 3 PM, Sunday, Oct. 12th, at Grace UMC, 458 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta.  A complete notice will be published on Sunday. A. S. Turner and Sons.

Theater and wine lover, Angelo Pitillo, owner of the much-loved Cafe Lily died from pancreatic cancer last Thursday.

From the AJC…

Angelo Pitillo bought a restaurant with no kitchen and, even though he never set foot in the region, built it into a popular Mediterranean cafe.

A certified sommelier, he delighted in introducing unique wines to Cafe Lily customers dining on dishes created by his son.

“He had the best Zinfandel list in town,” said longtime customer Jon Abercrombie of Decatur. The restaurant, in downtown Decatur, has won three consecutive Wine Spectator awards of excellence.

Mr. Pitillo used Mr. Abercrombie to solve a wine connoisseur’s political dilemma. “My favorite wine is a French wine he gave me when he was put out with the French,” Mr. Abercrombie said. “He wouldn’t sell it, and he wouldn’t pour it down the drain. He said he might as well give it to a liberal.”

Angelo Michael Pitillo, 70, of Sandy Springs died of pancreatic cancer Thursday at Hospice Atlanta. A private service is planned. A.S. Turner & Sons is in charge of arrangements. Read the rest of this entry »