Jeanne Rivers Scharnitzky, age 88, passed away on Monday, Nov. 19, 2018 in Brewton. She was born on Jan. 6, 1930 in Louisville, Ga., to Ed and Julia Rivers. She was close her entire life to her younger brother Ralph, called Buddy, and younger sister, Louise, called Sis. She attended Barrett School of Nursing at the University of Georgia in Augusta. She married a young medical student by the name of Emile Scharnitzky and they moved to Columbus, Ga. for his internship. They welcomed their first daughter, Brenda, and moved to Brewton where their second daughter, Diane, arrived soon after. Following the birth of their daughter, Camille, they built their permanent family home and soon welcomed their daughter, Elaine. Mrs. Scharnitzky focused on taking care of her family while her husband worked long hours building his medical practice. Many other family members found their way to Brewton in times of need when her caretaking skills were required. She had many talents including playing bridge and golf, winning at both. She also received many compliments for her green thumb as she demonstrated all over her patio and yard. She excelled at flower arranging and cooking. Her sourdough bread loaves were always in demand along with her special desserts. She spent many hours sewing for all four daughters and also found time to include many hours of volunteer work. She managed to use her RN skills as needed at D.W. McMillan Hospital, Brewton Medical Center and New Hope Manor Nursing Home. She enjoyed traveling far and wide with her husband Emile. She became a proud grandmother of 8 and a great-grandmother of 9. She was frequently described by many who met her as a true southern lady. She was preceeded in death by her husband, Dr. Emile O. Scharnitzky, Jr. She is survived by her daughters, Brenda Taylor, Diane Phillippi (Bucky), Camille Graves (Wayne), and Elaine Scharnitzky; grandchildren Mark Phillippi (Cathie), Brooke Hartin (Charlie), Katie Smith (Brad), Joey Graves, Gabe Taylor (Alicia), Jon Graves, Pat Phillippi, and Edward Taylor.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, Nov. 23rd at 11:00 a.m. at St. Stephens Episcopal Church. The family visitation will be held in the church parish hall at 10:00 a.m. Private family burial.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to D.W. McMillan Hospital Healthcare Foundation, P.O. Box 908 Brewton, AL 36727.