Frankie R Levy

A lifelong resident of Augusta, she was the daughter of the late Herman Rubenstein and Harriett “Hattie” Crumpton Rubenstein. She was the 4th generation of her family which moved here in the late 1850’s.

Mrs. Levy studied with the New York City Ballet beginning in 1950. She began teaching in 1951 with Alexis Dolinoff, a dancer from Russia. She then opened her own school in 1952 in the grand ballroom of the Partridge Inn. Mrs. Levy taught hundreds of children in Aiken, Augusta, Bamberg and Waynesboro to appreciate the art of ballet. In 1968, she began the Georgia Dance Theatre Company. The company produced talented dancers, created lavish productions including The Little Match Girl (performed throughout the Southeast), Cinderella, Hansel & Gretel and numerous other works choreographed by Mrs. Levy. She also brought to Augusta world renowned dancers and performers, such as Edward Villella, Allegra Kent, Burton Taylor, Helgi Tommasson and Violette Verdy.

In the mid 1960’s, Mrs. Levy directed and choreographed Westside Story for the Augusta Players. In addition, she choreographed the 250th Anniversary production for the city of Augusta which was performed locally, as well as in Godalming, Surrey, England, the hometown of Augusta founder, General James Oglethorpe.

In addition to the performing arts, Mrs. Levy enjoyed the fine art of painting. She was a painter who won “Best of Show” in a juried show judged by Lamar Dodd. And in retirement, Mrs. Levy took classes in Art History and Literature at Augusta State University and was a docent at the Augusta Museum of History.

Mrs. Levy was an active member of Adas Yeshurun Synagogue, Hadassah, the Augusta Jewish Community Center and the Augusta Jewish Federation.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Levy was preceded in death by her son, Jerome Prager Shoob, son in law William A. Estroff, sisters, Mina Lee Rubenstein, Sabet Rubenstein and brother, Herman “Bill” Rubenstein.

Mrs. Levy, a wonderful mother and grandmother, is survived by her daughter, Ann – Toni Danziger Estroff, Augusta and daughter in law Renee Wagner Shoob, Augusta. She was known as “Mema” to her grandchildren. They are: Dr. Hylan Dara Shoob, Atlanta; Merek Brandon Shoob and his wife Lindsey, Atlanta; Howard David “Dov” Estroff, Augusta; Jeremy Blair Estroff and his wife Joanna, Atlanta; Dr. Jordan Mitchell Estroff, Dallas, TX; and great grandchildren, Emma Farren Estroff and Blake Arin Estroff.

Graveside services will be held on Friday, December 30, 2011 at 11am at Westover Memorial Park with Rabbi David Sirull officiating. Pallbearers will be Dov Estroff, Jeremy Estroff, Dr. Jordan Estroff, Merek Shoob, Nelson Danish, Maurice “Moe” Kortick, Haskell Toporek, Brian Estroff, and William S. Estroff.

In accordance to Jewish tradition, the family requests no flowers. Shiva (visitation) will be through Thursday, January 5, 2012 at the home. Memorial contributions may be made to Adas Yeshurun Synagogue, 935 Johns Rd, Augusta, GA, 30904; Morris Museum of Art, 1 10th St, Augusta, GA, 30901; or Augusta Museum of History, 560 Reynolds St, Augusta, GA, 30901.