Emmaline Rice Routon
SAVANNAH - On May 4th, with characteristic grace, Emmaline Rice Routon, affectionately known as ‘Nana,’ passed away at 82 years of age in the presence of her children and loved ones. She was born and raised in Augusta, GA, the only child of Augusta natives Margaret Emmaline Rice ‘Peg’ and Hugh Woodson Rice.
Emmaline’s childhood in Augusta’s close-knit community of Summerville was idyllic. She is remembered by classmates and friends as a person with a generous smile and a love for life. Emmaline attended Aquinas High School, where she was a cheerleader, Homecoming Queen, and Queen of the Mardi Gras Court. As a young woman, she was a passionate equestrian. Her beloved horse ‘White Sox,’ with his spirited resistance to commands, was a symbol of her light-hearted yet determined nature.
After graduating in 1960, she earned an associate’s degree from Marymount University in Arlington, VA. Following college, a transformative year spent in Florence, Italy introduced her to the warmth and beauty of the art, culture, and people there. Emmaline’s passion for antiquing and collecting art would continue throughout her life connecting her with many of the vibrant characters that would become close friends.
After returning to Augusta from Europe, Emmaline met and fell in love with Jim Routon, while he was a student at the Medical College of Georgia. They were married in 1968 and he remained the love of her life and her partner in marriage for 56 years. Their life together took them to Boston, Washington, D.C., Pensacola FL, Atlanta, and Savannah, with memorable moments in Augusta and Statesboro. All along gathering great friends and memories. Together they cultivated a love for travel and she always brought a sense of genuine joy to these adventures. Emmaline’s interest in experiences was ebullient. Whether in sailing with friends to Martinique, visiting Haiti, rafting the Colorado River, exploring the American South West, trips to New York to see the sights and catch Broadway musicals or simply enjoying the beach with family and dogs in tow.
In 1981 Emmaline and Jim moved their family to Savannah. Having always been enamored with its beauty and rich history, it reminded her of Europe and held her heart captive. She instilled this love of place in her daughters and grandchildren.
The ease with which Emmaline created an atmosphere of stylish comfort led many to gather, welcome in her home. The front door was never locked. Though not a cook, there was always food ready to share. Her house was often full of activity and conversation. All of which reflected the charismatic hostess that she was. Her effortless sense of style was unique and all her own. She had an uncanny ability to identify trends long before they became mainstream. She shared a love of reading with her husband, Jim. They kept stacks of books on tables around the house. Along with her collection of books and friends, it was rare that a stray animal did not receive assistance or shelter. Emmaline loved with loyalty and depth. She loved her children. She loved her children’s friends.
She was a devoted grandmother and loved her grandchildren’s friends as much as her own. Her interest in them was evident in the hours she spent enjoying their company. She had a gift for making moments feel like occasions. Her beauty was magnetic but it was her heart that cemented her appeal. Her loss leaves a cavernous hole in the lives of those who loved her. Our consolation is in believing that she is in His presence and united with her beloved husband, Jim.
The family wishes to recognize with deep love and appreciation the friends who helped Emmaline navigate the journey of Dr. Routon’s illness and recent death. All of the people, of which there are too many to name, that have held a special place in her heart are remembered fondly as well.
Emmaline Routon is survived by daughters, Genevieve Markowsky (Wayne) and Emmaline Routon-Davis (Greg). Her grandchildren, Hannah Routon, Hugh Markowsky and Noah Davis.
Emmaline is preceded in death by her parents, ‘Peg’ and Hugh Rice, her husband, Dr. James Routon, lifelong friends, Kathleen ‘Kitty’ Curtis and Sara Andrews
Her unwavering devotion to her Catholic faith leaves a legacy that will forever live on in the lives of her family and in the hearts of those who knew her.
A visitation at Fox and Weeks Funeral Home on Hodgson Memorial Drive will be held on Sunday, May 12 at 5 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist on Abercorn St., Monday, May 13 at 10 AM. A Rite of Committal will be held graveside at the Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers please be encouraged to donate to a charity close to your heart.