A Life Story

HOLLY TYSON LANTZ (January 7, 1952- October 29, 2024) Savannah, GeorgiaHolly Tyson Lantz died peacefully on October 29, 2024 at the age of 72 after a brief illness. She was surrounded by her loving family.Born and raised in Savannah, Holly was the first of four children born to William V. Tyson Jr. and Yvonne K. Tyson. She graduated from Savannah Country Day School in 1970 and received her bachelor's degree in education from Brenau College in 1974. After college, Holly returned to Savannah where she flourished as a teacher. Over the years, Holly taught elementary school at both Savannah Christian Preparatory School and Hancock Day School. As her career progressed, Holly developed a passion for individualized tutoring of elementary school students in a variety of disciplines.Holly married her husband Richard ("Rick") W. Lantz Jr. of Savannah at St. John's Episcopal Church in 1977. Holly and Rick remained happily married for over 47 years. They welcomed their daughter Lauren Lantz Hughes in 1979. Holly was a devout communicant of St. Thomas Episcopal Church on Isle of Hope. She volunteered in a multitude of capacities over the years, including serving on the Vestry and the Altar Guild, teaching Sunday School, mentoring candidates for confirmation, and working with the St. Thomas Thrift Store community outreach program. Holly enjoyed many things in life. Her passions included spending time with children, growing and arranging flowers, birdwatching, "Tybee Time" at 13 Palms, walking the beach, hunting seashells, Metter farm weekends with family and friends, planning and hosting social and family events, evening golf cart rides around the island with Rick, and most recently, welcoming her baby granddaughter, Sullins, into the world.Holly always found good in any situation and her loving and caring attitude made her a true pleasure to be around. Because she was the eldest child in the family and sported an occasional "strong personality and wit," Holly was bestowed the lifelong moniker "Queen" by her siblings.In addition to that crown, Holly wore many hats over the years: daughter, sister, friend, breaststroke champion, Phi Mu President, Miss Brenau, teacher, tutor, wife, mother, room mom, Vestry member, mentor, hostess, and multiple others, but her favorite hat of all was the last one she wore-grandmother a/k/a "Honey."Holly was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband Richard W. (Rick) Lantz Jr., beloved daughter Lauren Lantz Hughes (Robert), granddaughter Sullins Yvonne Hughes, stepson Richard W. Trosdal, grandson David Trosdal, granddaughter Margaret Trosdal, brother William V. Tyson III (Melissa), sister Cheri Tyson Phillips, brother Charles K. Tyson (Gail), and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on Saturday November 2, 2024 at St. Thomas Episcopal Church on Isle of Hope at 1:00 p.m, with a reception in the Parish Hall to immediately follow. A private graveside service for family will precede the church service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made "In Memory of Holly Lantz" to St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 2 St. Thomas Avenue, Savannah, Georgia 31406 and/or Hancock Day School, 6600 Howard Foss Drive, Savannah, GA 31406.