Elinor Rees

Elinor Myers Rees, 92, of Athens, Georgia, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2025. Though she lived in Athens for more than 65 years, she was born in New York City and spent much of her childhood in Westport, Connecticut. After graduating from The Spence School and Wellesley College, she made a break for the west coast in her car “Clementine” and taught school in Santa Barbara. She married John Bartow Rees, Jr. in 1959 and moved with him to Athens, where he began a long career at the University of Georgia Law School, and where they raised their family. Her husband predeceased her in 2012, as did her sister, Ann Myers Williams, in 2024. She is survived by five children: John, Mary, Jenifer, David (Chul Hye), and Rick (John Holloran), as well as four grandchildren: Sara and Jack (John and their mother, Mary Davis Rees), and Joey and Elinor (Mary and her late husband, Brian Hill), plus her brother-in-law, Christopher (Deirdre) and several nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her loving and devoted caregivers. 

Elinor was a stalwart member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, singing for decades in the choir, serving on the Parish Council, and contributing faithfully to the work of St. Joseph Charities throughout the Athens area. A classical music lover, she was a founding member of the Athens Choral Society, with whom she sang for many years. She loved learning and was a strong supporter of education—both in her own children, and through advocacy and volunteer tutoring in the wider community. She could often be seen getting lost in a good book, knitting sweaters, or going for daily walks. Readers of The Athens Banner-Herald learned to anticipate her Letters to the Editor on various public affairs.

Her warmth, wit, and humor, even towards the end, displayed her strong, playful, kind spirit. Underneath everything lay a bedrock of faith, and the conviction that such faith should lead to helping those in need. She has touched many and inspired those who loved her. 

Visitation hours will be held at Lord and Stephens Funeral Home (West) on Jimmy Daniels Rd., Friday, February 21st from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, February 22nd, 11:00 am, at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Epps Bridge Parkway. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her honor to St. Joseph Charities. 

Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, Watkinsville is entrusted with arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com.