Savannah Lee Courtney

Savannah Lee Courtney, 30, passed away on October 18, 2024, after a courageous battle with mental health challenges. Born on May 15, 1994, in Charlotte, NC, Savannah was the beloved daughter of Missy Burns Courtney and Kevin Courtney. She grew up in Charlotte and the Mount Holly/Stanley area. Savannah was preceded in death by her grandparents, Dorothy and J.C. Courtney, Brenda Estes Burns, Henry Owens Burns Jr., and her great-grandmother, Mary Marie Goodin.

Savannah graduated from East Gaston High School, where she discovered her love for theater, starring as Madame Butterfly in her senior year. She continued her education at Central Piedmont Community College, earning an Associate’s degree in liberal arts, before graduating cum laude from the University of North Carolina-Wilmington with a major in Anthropology and a minor in Forensic Science.

Savannah had a profound passion for music and road trips, often filling car rides with Hamilton and SIX soundtracks. She was an avid fan of Taylor Swift, the Jonas Brothers, One Direction, and smaller bands like Honor Society and Jack and Jack, traveling frequently to see them live. This year, she experienced a highlight when she attended Taylor Swift’s ERAS tour with her best friend, Dillan Broyles.

As a paraprofessional special education teacher at Myrtle Beach Early Childhood Education, Savannah found deep fulfillment working with pre-kindergarten students in Horry County Schools. She also cherished her time as a caregiver to Kaden Turner, a former student who held a special place in her heart. Savannah was deeply devoted to her younger brother, Luke, forming a bond that was both strong and tender, as well as to her many cousins and “pageant sisters,” whom she mentored with love and guidance.

Savannah’s love for pageantry was a significant part of her life; she held multiple titles and later served as a mentor and judge, always treasuring the sense of family it fostered. Her affection for Disney was boundless, and her time working at Disney World in Florida was a dream come true. Known for her radiant smile and infectious laughter, Savannah’s warmth touched everyone around her.

Savannah was a passionate advocate for survivors of sexual assault, bravely confronting her own trauma and supporting others through her work with UNC-W’s CARE program. Despite her personal challenges, she approached life with resilience, compassion, and a deep love for people, regardless of age, race, gender, or orientation.

Savannah is survived by her parents, Missy Burns Courtney and Kevin Courtney; her brother, Luke Courtney; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends, along with her cherished pageant family.

The Courtney family will greet friends from 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM, Saturday, the 26th of October, 2024 in the Chapel of Forest Lawn West Funeral Service. A service to celebrate her life will follow at 10:00 AM in Chapel and burial in Forest Lawn West Cemetery.