Resident of the Month

Claudie Lewis Arnsdorff (C.L) was born April 13, 1947, the only child of George Louis & Willie Mae Arnsdorff. C.L grew up with numerous cousins that were like siblings to him.
C.L. graduated from Effingham County High school in 1965. While in school, he was the Vice President of The Effingham County Future Farmers of America Chapter. He married his high school sweetheart, Willene in 1966. C.L. joined the Georgia National Guard and served 6 years. He started his career at Union Camp which eventually rebranded to International Paper where he retired after 43 years. He is still fortunate to be surrounded by loyal & lasting friendships made at work.
C.L. is a lifelong member of Bethel Lutheran Church where he attended Sunday School and was an active member of church activities. He was a member of Luther League Youth Group, played softball on the Church Softball League, sang in the Church Choir, served on the church council, worked at the Food Pantry, attended & organized the Senior Citizen luncheons. C.L. also enjoyed growing gourds and gardening. He was a member of the Georgia Gourd Society. One of his favorite past times was deer hunting with family & friends.
C.L. has two children, Mark & Joy. He has always enjoyed spending time with his son-in-law, daughter-in-law, 4 grandchildren, 1 grandson-in-law and 1 great granddaughter. C.L. & Willene built their loving home on family property where C.L grew up and is now the home of his entire family.
He may not say much, but his smile and laughter say it all. Congratulations, Mr. C.L.!Born in Clyde, Georgia, Blondean spent her early years there until the area was acquired by the government and became part of Fort Stewart. Her family then moved to the Black Creek Community in Bryan County, where she grew up and met the love of her life, Oscar. During the early years of marriage, she and Oscar lived in Panama City with their young family before returning to Black Creek, where she would remain for most of her life.

Blondean began her professional journey working at a local bank in Bryan County. Her integrity, warmth, and strong work ethic quickly earned the trust of the community. Encouraged by many, she ran for public office and was elected Bryan County Tax Commissioner, serving faithfully from January 1966 until her retirement 30 years later. But her dedication didn’t stop there. Blondean was later elected County Commissioner, serving from 2001 until her final retirement in December 2010.

Throughout her career, Blondean was a strong advocate for her community, known for her honesty and tireless work ethic. She also gave back through causes close to her heart, serving as Bryan County’s March of Dimes sponsor and volunteering with the American Cancer Society. In retirement, she continued giving—sewing clothes for underprivileged children and supporting the Children’s Clothes Bank in her local school system.

In recognition of her lifetime of service, the Georgia Department of Transportation and Bryan County named the road in front of her home “Blondean Newman Highway” in 2021—an honor that she holds dear to her heart.

Faith has always been a central part of Blondean’s life. She is a longtime member of Ellabell United Methodist Church, where she taught adult Sunday School for over 20 years. Her love for the Lord, her church family, and her community shines in all she does.

Blondean and her beloved husband, Oscar, shared 64 wonderful years of marriage. Together, they raised three children—two sons and one daughter—and are blessed with a grandchild and a great-grandchild. After Oscar’s passing, Blondean remained in their Black Creek home until moving to Legacy at Savannah Quarters in November 2022.

Even today, Blondean’s caring heart is evident—always checking in on fellow residents, offering encouragement, and spreading kindness wherever she goes. When asked about her greatest achievements, she’ll humbly point to her many blessings: her faith, her family, her church, and the privilege of serving others.

We are so grateful to have Blondean as part of our Legacy family. She is a true example of a life well-lived—and still giving. Congratulations Ms. Blondean!