Norma Brewin Ward

1929 - 2024

Norma Brewin Ward, much-admired school teacher and co-founder of SAFE Shelter in Savannah, died on September 9, 2024, with her daughter by her side. Born on October 26, 1929, in Savannah, Georgia, she was the only child of Norma Monsees Gibbons and Herbert Frederick Gibbons. Her mother died a few hours after her birth, so she was raised by her devoted aunt, Katherine Monsees Precht, who gave her a foundation of unconditional love. But even in her advanced years, Norma longed for the mother she never knew.

Norma was baptized, confirmed, and married in the Lutheran Church of the Ascension, and remained a faithful member throughout her life. She attended The Pape School, Savannah High School, Armstrong Junior College and the University of Georgia, from which she graduated with a liberal arts degree. She was a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority.

At a Geechee Club dance at UGA, she met a handsome returned serviceman named Sidney Lee Brewin who also hailed from Savannah. They married in 1951 and were devoted to each other until Lee's death in 1998. Their lives were enriched by the birth of a loving daughter, Kathleen, the companionship of many dear friends, the addition of a patient son-in-law, Jeff, and the gift of two dear grandchildren, Ben and Rosalee.

Norma began a satisfying teaching career at Charles Herty Elementary School, then called Moore Avenue School, but spent most of her 14-year career at Jacob G. Smith Elementary School where she taught in the program for gifted children. She often said that it felt like magic the moment she entered the classroom. Creating a joyful learning environment and motivating children to succeed were among her great talents. She was selected Teacher of the Week by the Savannah News-Press in 1963.

She left teaching and commenced years of volunteer leadership in the Savannah community. A trained hotline crisis counselor, she became aware of the problem of domestic violence and of the critical need for a shelter for battered women and their children. She wrote a letter to the editor of the Savannah Morning News about the lack of safe options and joined with Lucy Brannen, Harris Lentini, and Caroline Armstrong to raise the funds and obtain government support to open S.A.F.E Shelter for Battered Women and Their Children. Norma attended the first conference on domestic abuse in Georgia, visited shelters in other communities, and spoke to numerous civic groups to make the shelter a life-changing reality for thousands. She was named an Outstanding Woman by the Savannah Business & Professional Women's Network for her role in the establishment of S.A.F.E. Shelter.

Norma was a member of the Board of Trustees of the Historic Savannah Foundation, chaired its Reception Committee, and orchestrated numerous special events. She also served as treasurer of the Women's Guild of the Telfair Museum of Art, a Board member and president of the Savannah Widows Society, president of the Nine Holers at the Savannah Golf Club, and, for many years, a member of the Women's Guild of Bethesda Home for Boys, chairing its Endowment Committee. She enjoyed membership in the Savannah Golf Club, the Chatham Club, and her book club, as well as travel, and was often asked to model in charity fashion shows.

After being widowed for several years, Norma and Lafe Preston Ward of Williamson, WV, were introduced by their daughters, who had been classmates at Wake Forest University. Norma and Lafe married in 2007 and greatly enjoyed their blended family until Lafe's death in 2013. Norma then turned her attentions to ministering to nursing home residents through Ascension's Lay Ministry, visiting with them often and cheerfully, and leading them in devotions.

At the age of 90, she left her beloved Savannah to be part of her daughter's family in Atlanta. There she lived comfortably at Saint Anne's Terrace, but forever missed her deep Savannah relationships. Her family thanks the kind, attentive staff of Saint Anne's as well as the compassionate caregivers of Personal Care, Inc. We are very grateful to Quiana Gresham (KiKi) who helped and cared for Norma in so many ways, as well as Wanda, Evelyn, Moya, Tamera, and DJ.

Norma was an attractive, fashionable woman who turned heads, but she was also a woman of substance who made a difference in her community. Her motto was "refuse to be vanquished" and in challenging times she did just that. But she also advised friends to "do a little fun thing every day," and passed along her father's admonition to "keep up your looks and your property." She was known for keeping up her looks – as well as for her delicious crabcakes and colorful Easter hats.

Norma wanted "to thank all those who loved me, tolerated my faults, and could always be counted on to support me." She is survived and forever missed by her daughter, Kathleen Brewin Lewis, of Atlanta, son-in-law Jeffrey Young Lewis; two treasured grandchildren, Benjamin Brewin Lewis and Rosemary Lee Lewis; four stepchildren-Cindy Ward Brasher, Leslie Ward Vancho, Donna Ward Toulme, and David Townsend Ward-and their families; and several close cousins. We hope and believe that she has finally gotten to meet her mother.

If desired, memorial gifts may be made to the Lutheran Church of the Ascension (120 Bull Street, Savannah GA 31401) or S.A.F.E. Shelter (P.O. Box 61119, Savannah GA 31420)-two Savannah organizations that meant the world to her. Visitation will take place beginning at 12:45 on Thursday, September 12th, in the reception hall of the Lutheran Church of the Ascension; a Funeral Service will follow in the church sanctuary at 2:00. Colorful or pastel attire welcome; Norma never did like black.