Savannah Joyce Bechet

Bechet, who passed away peacefully on June 16, 2025, at the age of 78.

Savannah was born on August 14, 1946, in Heidelberg, Mississippi, to the late Savannah Taylor McGill and Booker T. McGill. She was one of six siblings—Yvonne McGill, Samantha Jones, Elnora Hasberry Bunch, and Booker T. McGill Jr., who all preceded her in death, and her devoted sister Clara Lee, who survives her.

Savannah lived a full, vibrant, and joyful life. She was the proud mother of four children: the late Dwayne McGill, whose wife Elizabeth McGill remains a cherished part of the family; Sophia Crumbley and her husband Cedric Crumbley; the late Terry Wilson; and Jonathan Bechet and his partner Janella Lewis. Her love for her children was deep and unwavering, and she poured herself into her role as a mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, daughter, cousin, and friend.

She adored her siblings and cherished their bond more than words could express. The memories shared between them—from childhood in Mississippi to adulthood filled with laughter, love, and long talks—were the treasures of her heart. Each sibling held a special place in her life, and their connection was one she honored and nurtured with pride.

Her journey took her from Mississippi to Cocoa Beach, Florida, and then to New Orleans, Louisiana, where her home became legendary—a lively hub for family gatherings, laughter, love, and unforgettable memories. Whether it was a holiday, Mardi Gras, or just a regular weekend, Savannah’s house was the place to be. She made sure everyone felt welcome and special, often preparing their favorite meals, setting the house just right and having a deck of cards ready for a spirited game around the table.

To her nieces and nephews, she was affectionately known as Aunt Joyce, the one they couldn’t wait to visit. She showed everyone how to make a house feel like a home—with warmth, laughter, and open arms.

Savannah loved a good time. She had a special fondness for casinos, card games, and laughter-filled nights with family. She was also a woman of adventure, with a passion for traveling and discovering new places, eager to experience life to the fullest. She enjoyed the beauty of the journey as much as the destination and brought joy with her everywhere she went.

Professionally, Savannah was an Early Childhood Educator, dedicating her early years to helping children grow and learn. Later in life, she lovingly cared for her mother and eventually moved to Houston, Texas, to be closer to her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her beloved grandchildren: India McGill, Antoine Ferguson and his husband Jay Ferguson, Savannah McGill, Dwayne McGill Jr., Keaven Wilson, Terrion Wilson, Jon’ae Bechet, and Jayla Rose Bechet. She also leaves behind a host of great-grandchildren, cherished nieces, nephews, and countless friends whose lives were forever touched by her heart of gold.

Savannah was the heartbeat of her family—a true matriarch, full of life, laughter, and love. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy lives on in every memory shared, every meal around the table, every card dealt, and every moment of joy passed down through generations.

If Savannah could leave us with one final message, it would be: “Remember the good

times, keep family close, and never miss a chance to love and laugh.”