Savannah Lauren Wink's Obituary
A celebration of Life for Savannah will be held at First United Methodist Church of Longview on Thursday, July 2 at 3pm.
Our sweet daughter, Savannah, went to be with Jesus on Thursday, June 25th. Although unexpected, we have faith knowing that she went to her eternal home painlessly while sleeping. Savannah Lauren Wink was born on a Sunday night, January 16, 2000 at Good Shepherd Medical Center in Longview to Laura (Albert) and Joel Ryan Wink.
Savannah was the definition of pure joy from the beginning of her life to the very end. Although Savannah was diagnosed with autism at a young age and seizure disorder later on she lived a life very well-lived. She taught so many people what true joy looks like and that the smallest things in life really are the most important.
Savannah attended The Crisman School and had the privilege of having Gaye Webster as her teacher for multiple years. Those years at Crisman with Gaye carry so many happy memories for our family to this very day. Savannah also spent more hours and days than we can count with her speech pathologist, Renese Henderson, who became a friend to Savannah. They spent over eighteen years together that were very special. Many of them included Sonic runs because Savannah knew if she worked hard she could “sucker” Renese into getting her a Dr. Pepper. We are so glad that she did.
After Savannah left Crisman, my selfless mom (AKA Honey) “homeschooled” Savannah and took her to piano for many years under the direction of Susan Horner. Savannah loved music, and Mrs. Susan taught her so many things and her patience with Savannah always blew us away. Honey and Savannah spent many hours and days together that were special to them both. They had a regular weekly routine that they followed with Savannah being in charge of because Savannah did like to be in charge. It really was Savannah’s world, and we just got to live in it.
Looking back on the days and years with sweet Savannah, they were much different than what we could have ever imagined. We see where God worked in so many different ways that we did not understand at the time, but as time passed, it all became very clear. He always put us where we needed to be, and our paths crossed with the right people that our family desperately needed. We can never imagine ever being able to orchestrate all of this on our own.
Savannah continued to make progress that so many specialists said would never happen, yet over and over she exceeded our expectations. Her pediatrician, Dr. Karen Roberts, treated Savannah with excellent care and dignity until she turned eighteen when Dr. Kathleen Harris and Dr. Richard Hamer took over her care. They both were excellent in the compassion and dignity they too showed Savannah over the past eight years. Savannah particularly loved going to see Dr. Hamer, so she could give him a big hug and listen to her heart per her request. Savannah had a close relationship with Dr. Darrel Sherman after having braces multiple times. Of course, since Savannah was indeed sassy and saucy, it was just “Darrel” to her despite Honey initially trying to redirect her. Savannah always had Jill as her dental assistant during her many years of wearing braces and spent many times in her chair over those years. We are thankful for both Darrel and Jill for their love and patience with Savannah. One of Savannah’s very favorite people who holds a special place in all of our hearts is our longtime friend/housekeeper/sitter, Tomasa Moran. Tomasa, who has basically ran our house for over 21 years, has stayed with Savannah more days and nights than anyone aside from Joel and I. Tomasa, Savannah, and I walked through some hard days together over the years and without Tomasa being present it would have been unbearable. Tomasa has also allowed Joel and I to take vacations and have weekends away because we could trust her with Savannah, and Savannah loved Tomasa so much. It would be misleading to say that we did not at times grieve things that Savannah did not experience such as high school graduation, driving, prom, college graduation, etc. However, Savannah was not phased by worldly events or things. She was just happy because that is who she was and there were no strings attached. She almost always had a smile on her face especially when she had a Dr. Pepper in her hand, which was often. Savannah was content having her iPad and a Chick-fil-A Dr. Pepper except for Sundays which we discussed each week so she could be reassured that come Monday we would be back to Chick-fil-A.
Our friend and hair stylist, Annie Wren, sent a message with words we could not have ever come up with at this point but spoke directly to our hearts. She said that “we will never know the why until we get to Heaven, but know Savannah is there now with Jesus right at His feet, exactly as she was here on Earth, exactly how He made her.” She is free of seizures and is whole. Her Dad’s greatest wish has always been that when we are reunited in Heaven he will finally have a conversation with his sweet girl. We know that doesn’t have to be a wish because it will indeed happen.
Savannah was joyful in the little things, content with life as it was, did not hold grudges or judge others, accepted people right where they were, and made everyday brighter. She truly was innocent, and looking at things through her eyes taught our family things we otherwise would have never learned. The world will be a little dimmer on this side without our sweet Savvy but certainly the Joy of eternity gives us hope until we are with her again. The days, months, and years ahead will be hard, but we know that God will see our family through this and that our faith will sustain us and carry us on the days we cannot carry ourselves. A gift we do not feel deserving of but a gift that we will need and one only God can provide. Savannah is survived by her parents, brothers, Joel Ryan Wink and Luke Elliott Wink all of Longview. She is also survived by her grandparents Evelene and Al Albert, Gala and George Strunk, and Bob Wink all of Longview, and Tomasa Moran of Kilgore. Ashley and Justin Lindley of Tyler who have been our close friends for many years and were willing so long ago to accept the responsibility of being Savannah’s guardian in the event something were to happen to Joel and I. She has many other family members that she is survived by as well, and so many true friends that loved Savannah.
We recently read that “time is the only currency you spend without ever knowing your balance so use it wisely.” While we desperately wish for more time with Savannah, we are thankful to know that our time with her was definitely used wisely. We would like to give a very heartfelt and special thank you to our friend and builder, Steve Ivey, and our friend and neighbor, Jennifer Kendall, for being here during the hardest moments of my life. For Savannah’s celebration of life, wearing pink in her honor would mean so much if you so desire. If not, come as you are because that is one of the biggest lessons Savannah taught us that just showing up counts the most. Flowers are welcome, as are donations to honor Savannah’s memory which can be made to the Epilepsy Foundation or a charity of your choice. The biggest gift though is simply the honor of your presence if able.
Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Revelation 21:4 “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
Services for Savannah are currently pending.
What’s your fondest memory of Savannah?
What’s a lesson you learned from Savannah?
Share a story where Savannah's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Savannah you’ll never forget.
How did Savannah make you smile?