Clewiston - In celebration of the long, loving, life of Clewiston wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, Savannah Willis, a proclamation was made during the March 9, regular meeting of the Hendry Board of County Commissioners (BOCC).

Savannah Willis, affectionately known around Hendry County as “Big Mama,” was born Dec. 24, 1913. She moved to Clewiston in 1949, with her four children, where she met and married her late husband Johnny L. Willis. She worked as a cook for Old South Barbecue, Glades Restaurant and Tri-County Senior Feeding Program until she retired.

Commissioner Mitchell Wills, Chair of the Hendry BOCC, read the proclamation aloud during the meeting, while commenting on her wonderfully long and selfless life.

“She came and fed us, and helped us anytime we needed it. She always did that, for anyone and everyone,” said Kimberly Sanderson. “The only thing she ever asked us in return for her kindness was to make sure we paid it forward when we we able.”

Savannah Willis passed away, at the age of 107, on Jan. 15, 2021 after many years of dedication and service to the people of Clewiston, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and compassion.