Kaye
Kaye Robinson Kole
d. December 4, 2021
Kaye Robinson Kole, lifelong Savannahian, active in the community, and founder of the Savannah Jewish Archives, died in Savannah on December 3, 2021, at the age of 85. She was the wife of Savannah businessman Donald Kole.
She was born 10 December 1935 in Savannah, the daughter of Kate Holitser and Sam Robinson. She was married to Donald Kole on 1 January 1955. A life-long member of Congregation Mickve Israel, she was confirmed and married there.
A graduate of Savannah High School, Kate attended the University of Miami, and was graduated in 1975 from Armstrong State College with a bachelor's degree in English and minor in library science. She worked as a librarian for the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, the City of Savannah, and St. Vincent's Academy, after which she worked independently as a genealogist.
Upon obtaining a license as a Certified Genealogist for ten years, Kaye authored several books, including The Minis Family in Georgia, 1733-1992. At various times she served on the Armstrong State College Commission, as president of the Hodge Memorial Day Care Center, as a curator of the Georgia Historical Society, board member of the Southern Jewish Historical Society, and a member of the board of trustees of the Live Oak Public Libraries. The genealogy room at the Bull Street Library is named in her honor.
In 1995, Kaye was a leader in founding the Savannah Jewish Archives, for which she co-compiled three books. She remained at its helm for more than 20 years. She was honored for her work with the Archives by the City of Savannah, the Jewish Educational Alliance, and the Savannah Jewish Federation.
Many of Kaye's accomplishments included projects in conjunction with her husband. In 2006 Kaye and Don were honored by Union Mission with the naming of a building for them; they were honored by the same organization in 2019. In 2010 they were honored by the Georgia Historical Society with the John MacPherson Berrien Award for outstanding service, and in 2012 they were honored by the Live Oak Public Library Foundation. In 2012 Kaye was named a Notable Alum by Armstrong State University.
Kaye enjoyed traveling with her husband, and with their children and grandchildren. She was an avid reader, enjoyed playing Scrabble and Mah Jongg, and relished many close relationships with family and friends.
In addition to her husband of 67 years, she is survived by her daughter, Deborah Shelton, and her husband, Charles, of Atlanta, Georgia; and son, Jeffrey Kole and his wife, LeeAnn, of Savannah. Grandchildren are McKenzie Shelton, and Amy, Jeremy, and Zachary Kole. She is also survived by a brother, Paul Robinson, and his wife, Lori, and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
A private funeral service was held in Bonaventure Cemetery.
The family will sit Shiva at the residence.
Please omit flowers. Contributions may be sent to the non-profit organization of choice.
She was born 10 December 1935 in Savannah, the daughter of Kate Holitser and Sam Robinson. She was married to Donald Kole on 1 January 1955. A life-long member of Congregation Mickve Israel, she was confirmed and married there.
A graduate of Savannah High School, Kate attended the University of Miami, and was graduated in 1975 from Armstrong State College with a bachelor's degree in English and minor in library science. She worked as a librarian for the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, the City of Savannah, and St. Vincent's Academy, after which she worked independently as a genealogist.
Upon obtaining a license as a Certified Genealogist for ten years, Kaye authored several books, including The Minis Family in Georgia, 1733-1992. At various times she served on the Armstrong State College Commission, as president of the Hodge Memorial Day Care Center, as a curator of the Georgia Historical Society, board member of the Southern Jewish Historical Society, and a member of the board of trustees of the Live Oak Public Libraries. The genealogy room at the Bull Street Library is named in her honor.
In 1995, Kaye was a leader in founding the Savannah Jewish Archives, for which she co-compiled three books. She remained at its helm for more than 20 years. She was honored for her work with the Archives by the City of Savannah, the Jewish Educational Alliance, and the Savannah Jewish Federation.
Many of Kaye's accomplishments included projects in conjunction with her husband. In 2006 Kaye and Don were honored by Union Mission with the naming of a building for them; they were honored by the same organization in 2019. In 2010 they were honored by the Georgia Historical Society with the John MacPherson Berrien Award for outstanding service, and in 2012 they were honored by the Live Oak Public Library Foundation. In 2012 Kaye was named a Notable Alum by Armstrong State University.
Kaye enjoyed traveling with her husband, and with their children and grandchildren. She was an avid reader, enjoyed playing Scrabble and Mah Jongg, and relished many close relationships with family and friends.
In addition to her husband of 67 years, she is survived by her daughter, Deborah Shelton, and her husband, Charles, of Atlanta, Georgia; and son, Jeffrey Kole and his wife, LeeAnn, of Savannah. Grandchildren are McKenzie Shelton, and Amy, Jeremy, and Zachary Kole. She is also survived by a brother, Paul Robinson, and his wife, Lori, and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
A private funeral service was held in Bonaventure Cemetery.
The family will sit Shiva at the residence.
Please omit flowers. Contributions may be sent to the non-profit organization of choice.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Kaye Robinson Kole, please visit our flower store.
Photo Gallery
Guestbook
Visits: 0
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors