Jeanette (“Jenny”) Kathryn Strauss, 71, departed this life on December 11, 2015.
Jenny was born in Sioux City Iowa, May 20, 1944, to the late Ludwig and Veronica Bahn. She graduated as valedictorian from West High School. She was a model for Polaroid and the Coca-Cola Company. She was also a TV emcee and sportscaster. She married the late John T. Strauss and moved to Georgia, where she graduated suma cum laude from The University of Georgia. In addition to raising a family of four children, she owned a business as an interior designer and earned a degree in organ performance from Georgia State University. After moving to St. Simons Island, she became a celebrated teacher, historian, and tour guide. She led elder hostels through Road Scholars. She was affectionately known as “The Lady in White”, telling stories for walking ghost tours of St. Simons Island through her company History, Mystery & More.
Jenny served on the board of the Mozart Society, her homeowner's association, and was involved with the Coastal Georgia Historical Society. She was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church at Frederica. She was a dedicated member, reviving and serving on the flower ministry and participating in her Agape Bible study group. Jenny was also a committed participant at Christ Church Frederica with their annual Tour of Homes, X Church, and she travelled to The Holy Land with their pilgrimage in 2014. Jenny was active in the local recovery community and found it a joy and privilege to serve others.
Jenny is survived by her brother Franklin Bahn; brother Eugene F. Bahn; son John Strauss and daughter-in-law, Teresa Strauss; son Matthew Strauss and daughter-in-law Emese Szüts; son Andrew Strauss and daughter-in-law Cindy Strauss; daughter Karla Strauss; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews and innumerable friends also survive.
A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held December 19, 2015, at 2 p.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church at Frederica with an inurnment service and reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to be made to Faithworks Ministries: P.O. Box 2902, Brunswick, Georgia 31521 or online at faithworksministry.org.
Arrangements are entrusted into the care of Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home edomillerandsons.com.
