Dr. Savannah Segraves Day

Born and raised in Wilkes County, NC, Savannah embodied the spirit of hard work and determination. As an only child from a rural community, she pursued her educational dreams in an era when opportunities for women in higher education were rare.

After graduating from Appalachian State Teachers College, Savannah began her career teaching middle-school students Home Economics. She continued her studies at the University Of North Carolina at Greensboro, eventually earning a Ph.D. from Florida State University in the field of Housing. Savannah also taught Housing at Virginia Tech and was responsible for the development of their Property Management program. She influenced countless students before retiring from her position in 1990.

She dedicated her career to researching and improving housing solutions, particularly for the elderly, families with young children, and low-income households. She worked with the Department of Housing and Urban Development in Tallahassee to help develop better living conditions and opportunities for those in need. She was also a dedicated researcher, contributing to numerous academic studies and publishing several articles, including pioneering work on Potty Parity—advocating for equitable restroom access for men and women in public spaces.

Beyond her academic career, Savannah had a deep love for genealogy and family history, tracing her roots and capturing cherished memories through several published books. She authored one of the most definitive works on the Segraves family, The Reverend William Segraves and His Descendants. She was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and an active member of Gray Memorial Methodist Church in Tallahassee. She also loved country music, country ham & biscuits, and never missed dessert.

Savannah was married for over 50 years to Royal Palmer Day, an elementary school teacher. They eloped in 1945 in Statesville, NC after the end of WWII, with their best friends and were married in a double ceremony. Together, they built a home filled with love, laughter, and a deep respect for the importance of education. Savannah was preceded in death by her husband in 1997, Royal Palmer Day. She is survived by her three children: Dr. Patricia (Gayle) Poplin, Dr. Robert (Nancy) Day, and Melinda Day; five grandchildren: Michael (Susan) Poplin, Bridgette Soto, Elizabeth (Eric) Torres, Julia (Sam Glidden) Day, and Dr. Antoinette (Barrett) Matthews; twelve great-grandchildren: Trevor Poplin, Matthew Poplin, Savannah Poplin, Quinn, Minka, Arthur, Diana, Sebastian, Emilio, Sybil, Warren and Simon; and multiple extended family members in North Carolina.

Savannah’s kindness, warmth, and unwavering dedication to excellence touched all who knew her. She adored her family and cherished her students. She often said the secret to her long life was that her family never worried her, a testament to the love and stability they shared throughout the years.

Her earnest nature and deep commitment to always doing her best were an inspiration to everyone who knew her. Her presence will be deeply missed but forever remembered by the many lives she touched. A visitation will be held on Friday, June 20th from 6pm-8pm at Culley’s MeadowWood Funeral home at 1737 Riggins Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308. A funeral service will be conducted the following day, Saturday, June 21st at 6pm at Gray Memorial United Methodist Church, 2201 Old Bainbridge Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32303.