News Summary
Wilkes County will honor Savannah Day, a dedicated educator and housing advocate, for her contributions to the community. Born in Wilkes County, she earned a Ph.D. in Housing and taught at Virginia Tech, focusing on issues in housing for the vulnerable. Savannah’s legacy extends beyond her professional achievements, as she was also passionate about genealogy and local history. A visitation and funeral service will be held to celebrate her impactful life and dedication to improving living conditions for many. Her influence on education and housing advocacy will be remembered by all who knew her.
Tallahassee, FL — Wilkes County is poised to honor the remarkable life of Savannah Day, a dedicated educator and housing advocate who made significant contributions to her community and the field of housing. Savannah Day, who was born and raised in Wilkes County, North Carolina, exemplified hard work and determination, breaking barriers for women at a time when few pursued higher education.
Graduating from Appalachian State Teachers College, Savannah began her career teaching Home Economics to middle school students. She then continued her academic journey at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where she earned a Ph.D. in Housing from Florida State University. Savannah’s commitment to education and research led her to a teaching position at Virginia Tech, where she played a pivotal role in developing the university’s Property Management program.
Throughout her illustrious career, Savannah focused on addressing housing challenges for vulnerable populations, including the elderly and low-income families. She collaborated with the Department of Housing and Urban Development in Tallahassee to improve living conditions for those in need. Her dedication to research culminated in several publications, one of which included pioneering studies on Potty Parity, advocating for equal restroom access for men and women.
Alongside her professional achievements, Savannah had a rich personal life. She was passionate about genealogy and family history, authoring definitive works on her lineage, notably “The Reverend William Segraves and His Descendants.” Savannah was an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and attended services at Gray Memorial Methodist Church in Tallahassee. Her personal interests included country music and culinary delights, particularly enjoying country ham and biscuits, and she was known for her sweet tooth.
From a familial perspective, Savannah shared over 50 years of marriage with Royal Palmer Day. The couple eloped in 1945 in Statesville, North Carolina, participating in a double ceremony shortly after World War II. Savannah is survived by her three children, Dr. Patricia Poplin, Dr. Robert Day, and Melinda Day, along with five grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. Her family remembers her as a source of kindness and inspiration, often crediting her long life to the absence of family worries.
Visitation and Funeral Services
In recognition of her legacy, a visitation honoring Savannah Day will be held on June 20th, followed by a funeral service on June 21st at Gray Memorial United Methodist Church in Tallahassee, Florida. This ceremony will provide an opportunity for friends, family, and members of the community to celebrate her contributions and memory.
Background and Community Impact
Born into a rural background as an only child, Savannah Day’s rise to success was marked by her determination to pursue education. Her commitment to enhancing living conditions and advocating for equality in housing has left an indelible mark on countless lives. Her efforts have not only advanced academic research but have also led to tangible improvements in the housing sector, particularly for those lacking access to safe and affordable living solutions.
Through her research and teaching, Savannah Day has inspired future generations of educators, researchers, and advocates, while her community engagement reflects a lifelong dedication to the betterment of society. As Wilkes County prepares to honor her, Savannah’s legacy serves as a testament to the impact one individual can have through education, advocacy, and a genuine commitment to improving the lives of others.
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Additional Resources
- Journal Patriot: Wilkes Housing Shortage
- Wikipedia: Housing
- WLOS: FEMA Transitional Sheltering Assistance
- Google Search: Wilkes County Housing Shortage
- WNEP: Student Housing in Wilkes-Barre
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Housing Development
- Fox56: Keystone Mission Housing Initiative
- Google News: WILKES COUNTY NC Housing
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