Savannah Ruth Maples of Gulf Breeze, Florida passed away on April 19, 2024 at the young age of 29 from Neuroendocrine Pancreatic Cancer. She was born, Savannah Ruth DeLoach on May 14, 1994 in Pensacola, Florida.

Savannah was a bright light to all who were fortunate to know her; and, Gulf Breeze was not just a place she lived but it was the small community she loved. Savannah and her sister Lacey had a wonderful time growing up here. The teachers at Gulf Breeze Elementary influenced Savannah in many ways, shaping her sweet personality as she learned and flourished under their incredible guidance; a gift for which we are forever thankful. During these early years, her dear stepfather Johnny came into her life offering much love and influence, including their shared love of sports and the outdoors. Any opportunity to spend time outdoors, camping and hiking with her sister Lacey and parents was a family highlight.

Savannah was proud to be an active member of the Gulf Breeze Sports Association where she thrived playing basketball and loved cheer leading. Her best childhood friend, Tori Gray and she had so much fun playing with dolls, sports, camping, going to the beach and boating; they built many memories together and could often be found playing and swimming at Savannah’s grandparents’ home on Beach Drive; her happy place. She, Lacey and Tori spent many long summer days there, laughing and loving their days of fun together.

Savannah flew through Middle School and on to High School where she was a member of the National Honor Society and Bright Futures. She attended the University of West Florida and majored in Business. There she joined Alpha Chi Omega sorority and became life-long friends with her roommate, Steffi Evanko. Together they traveled far and wide to the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam; as well as, other sights around the globe. While completing her undergraduate degree and MBA, she had the wonderful opportunity to work with Aislinn Kate Photography. Her hobby and love of photography grew and she was mentored along the way by Aislinn and worked there with her dear friends Pearla Martinez and Mel Knowlton.  

Savannah and her mother had a very close relationship. Many years were spent camping or traveling around the country to the mountains of Tennessee, the Midwest, the Florida Keys, New York, Savannah, GA and on to the Caribbean; island hoping to St. John and other tropical islands. She was an avid snorkeler and loved exploring the oceans and reefs.

During this time, Daniel came into her life and their amazing love story began. Savannah completed her MBA while dating Daniel. Savannah was hired the following spring by The Pediatric Cancer Foundation of America as their Marketing Director, but was unfortunately diagnosed with cancer at the same time. She was unable to accept her dream job due to the rigorous chemotherapy treatment, but continued to work with Aislinn Kate as long as she could.

Savannah moved to Atlanta to be with Daniel and receive treatment at Emory University. Daniel and Savannah were married in a beautiful ceremony on December 2, 2023 in Pensacola. The wedding was Savannah’s dream come true in every way. Her marriage to Daniel made her so complete and whole, and he was her angel here on earth. Daniel stayed by her side through the hardest times of her cancer journey. Daniel’s mother Sharon, with whom Savannah developed a close bond, was always there to support her through her many appointments and treatments. Her cancer advanced quickly and she fought valiantly for two long years, until the end, her mother close by and Daniel by her side.

Savannah is survived by her husband Daniel Maples, the love of her life.  She is also survived by Jennifer Fort, her loving mother, her beloved stepfather, Johnny Fort, and her adoring sister Lacey DeLoach as well as her father, Stoney DeLoach.

She also leaves behind her step grandmother Billie Jean Fort, step sister Nikki Fort, Great Aunt Jaqueline Fiveash, her Uncle Randy Jordan (Allison), Aunt Jill Lee (Bill), cousins Avery Jordan, Rachel Jordan, Jordan Lee (Ashley), Randy Lee (Carly), and her nieces and nephews, Millie, Barrett and Sawyer and Finn and Scout Lee. Her In-laws Dan and Sharon Maples, sister-in-law Kathryn (Alex) McMahon, Edith Joseph (Grandmother), Aunt Dawn (Doug) Baldwin, Uncle, David (Jeanne) Maples, Aunt Lisa (Brian) O’Neill, cousins Michael (Jessica) Baldwin, Brandon Baldwin, Katy (Josh) Beaver, Scott O’Neill, Tim (Kelly) O’Neill, and Laura (Tim) Hassett.

She is predeceased by her grandparents, Bertis B. and Dorothy H Jordan, William J Fort IV and her uncle, Ricky Jordan and Aunt Kay Chenevert.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church with Reverend Dan Morris officiating. Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM with the service and reception in the Reception Hall to follow.

Savannah was a ray of sunshine with yellow being her favorite color. Should you so choose, please consider wearing yellow to her service.

In lieu of flowers, if you choose, donations may be made to the organization of your choice or the following:

Rally Foundation Gulf Coast honoring Barrett Lee, Savannah’s cousin;

5775 Glenridge Drive Building B, Suite 370 Atlanta, GA  30328;

Gulf Breeze Partners for Parks 1070 Shoreline Drive Gulf Breeze, FL 32561; or

Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church 75 Fairpoint Drive Gulf Breeze, FL 32561.