Daphne (Wilkes) Saye

Daphne Marzee Saye, age 97, passed away at home on April 6, 2026.  Daphne was born July 2, 1928 in Jackson County, GA to Ivie Daniel Wilkes and Roy P. Wilkes.  After her marriage to John in 1950, Daphne devoted most of her energies to patiently raising three rambunctious sons.  She was employed for several years as manager of Cato Department Store in Madison when the boys grew older.  She loved reading, trips to the beach and spending time with her family.  Everyone loved her cooking.  Her recipes are cherished family heirlooms.

Daphne is preceded in death by her loving husband of 62 years, John W. Saye, Sr. and her daughter-in-law, Penny Saye.  She is survived by her sons, John Jr. (Donna), Jeffrey (Donna) and Timothy (Wanda) Saye; eight grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and six great-great grandchildren. 

The funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 9 at 3 PM in the chapel of A.E. Carter Funeral Home.  The family will receive friends from 2-3 PM.

The family thanks Trinity Hospice staff and Daphne’s daily caregivers for their compassion and care over the last two years.  In lieu of flowers, memorials donations in Daphne’s memory may be directed to the National Kidney Foundation (donations@kidney.org) or to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital (stjude.org).

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