Levie Ann Govreau

Levie Ann Govreau, 80, of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, passed away on Monday, October 9, 2023.

Levie was born on December 7, 1942 in Charleston, SC and was the daughter of Angelina Benton (Bello) and L.J. Benton. She is preceded in death by her parents and her sister-in-law, Dawn (Murray) Benton. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Jon P. Govreau, her daughter, Laura Michelle Evensen (husband Dale), her son, Joe Robert Berry, Jr., her granddaughters, Kaitlyn Grace Berry Puckett, Angelina Marie Evensen and Ashlin Dale Evensen whom she referred to individually as: "the breath in my lungs, the beat of my heart and the twinkle in my eyes." She is also survived by two brothers, L.J. Benton, Jr. and Joseph W. Benton, II and two nephews, Joseph (Joey) W. Benton III (wife Caroline) and Derek Benton (wife Pam).

She was a homemaker and an enthusiastic member of Stella Maris Catholic Church on Sullivan's Island where she served as one of the few female ushers. Well-known for her outgoing personality, her open and honest demeanor, her comic zaniness, and her contagious laughter, she was blessed with an unlimited capacity for love. It was that love, and especially the zaniness, that fueled an ongoing and hilarious banter between Levie and her pastor, Rev. Msgr. Lawrence McInerny. Neither showed any hesitation to pick on the other one's inner child, regardless of time or location. That banter was one of the greatest joys in her life.

 One of her favorite possessions was a sweatshirt that read, "I Survived Catholic School", but the reality is it would have been far more accurate to read, "Catholic School Survived Me." She was truly one-of-a kind and the glue that held her family and circle of friends together. She was vigilant about staying in contact with everyone who was dear to her, even long-ago classmates like Libby Doherty Lackey and Barbary Campbell Wade from St. Patricks' grade school.  She especially cherished her regular group luncheons with Barbara and the "Bishop England Girls."

She met the love of her life when Jon Govreau came to Mt. Pleasant as one of the lead engineers overseeing the construction of the Isle of Palms Connector. Her grandchildren call it "Paw Paw's Bridge". In marriage, Jon had no choice but to become the straight-man to this non-stop, zany, "I Love Lucy" character who was so full of humor and energy.

 She loved children and babies - all children and babies, regardless of their shape, size or color. They were magnets to her heart and she couldn't resist talking to them in grocery stores, restaurants or even in church pews. As an usher, she'd often delay taking up the Sunday collection because she stopped to smile at a young child or baby.

 She had a deep love and total devotion to her husband, to her family, to God, to the Blessed Mother, to her parish and -- to Elvis Pressley. She was surrounded by family in her hospital room when she took her last breath. Ironically, as it turns out, she had programmed Elvis's voice as the ringtone on her cell phone. A grave and dreadful silence fell on the room when she passed. Heads were bowed in prayer, in grief and in disbelief. She was gone. No one spoke a word. Except Elvis. At the precise moment of her death her phone lit up and Elvis blared out, "Its now or never, come hold me tight....". Poor Elvis. He will soon learn that he may well have bitten off far more than he can chew. "Leave it to Levie" - even as she left this world she managed to make her family smile one last time.

 The family will receive friends on Tuesday, October 17 from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. with the Rosary beginning at 5:00 p.m. at McAlister's on Rifle Range Rd. in Mount Pleasant. The Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 18 at Stella Maris Catholic Church on Sullivan's Island. In lieu of flowers memorable contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital.