Savannah Arlene Wallard, 64, of Buffalo, NY, passed away on Wednesday, May 4, 2022, at her residence. Born on December 20, 1957 in Niagara Falls, NY, she was the daughter of the late Jessie Wallard and Susie (Leaks) Frails.

She attended Niagara Falls Public Schools and was a graduate of Niagara Falls High School.  In the mid 70's she relocated to Buffalo, New York where she continued her education attending the State University of New York College at Buffalo and Villa Maria College.  Savannah who was named after her grandmother, the late Savannah May (Big Mama) and was nicknamed Lene and Baby Sister by her family.

Throughout her life span, Savannah received many accolades as an Artist, Actress, Poet, Performer, Writer, Clergy, Community Activist, and Furniture Maker.  She was an active Member of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotic Anonymous with over 30 years of recovery.  Savannah was an avid Collector of vintage wear, and also enjoyed antiquing, and African Artifacts.

In January 1981, she and her then husband were featured on PM Magazine, a television series that was syndicated to stations throughout the United States. The episode, titled "Pint Size Apartment" showcased the furniture they designed and built inside of their one room apartment located on the city's West Side on Richmond Avenue.

In February 1997. Savannah received an award for "Citizen of the Year". Her story was published in "Buffalo", a magazine of the Buffalo News. The article, titled "Savannah Wallard: A Case Study in Fighting Back," details her fight and the victorious outcome against the property owners and unruly tenants of the apartment complex in Allentown where she resided and loved.

Savannah who was the youngest of nine children was also named the family historian. In her efforts to honor her ancestors, Savannah was responsible for the display of a quilt and family heirloom in a Buffalo Museum. Her exhibit was labeled "Bloodstains On My Mattress + Other Tell Tale Signs.  The quilt itself was made from a bloodstained tick mattress by one of the aunts and told the story of her Great Grandmother who died while giving birth to her 13th child.

Savannah's life and legacy will forever be cherished by her siblings, Jimmy May (late Carmen) of Niagara Falls, NY; Hazel (Cleveland) Hartman of Montgomery, AL; Edward May of Buffalo, NY; Judy McCray of Buffalo NY and Willie Frails of Erie PA.  She will be sorely missed by her nieces, nephews, cousins and best friend and confidant Dwight Smith.  In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother Johnnie (Ada) Deans; sisters Deborah (Charles) May Burt and Geraldine Frails.

Visitation will be on Saturday, May 14 from 12 – 2 PM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY. Visit mjcolucifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.