“To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord,” 2 Corinthians 5:8
On Dec. 16, 2022, Saida Elizabeth “Liz” McCann, affectionately known as “The Purple Lady and Grammie,” was crowned in royalty when she met her Jesus face to face.
Liz was born on Aug. 30, 1945, to her parents, who preceded her in death, Dr. George and Rebekah, “Becky” Hannie. She went on to attend and graduate from St. Charles Academy in 1963 where she was a cheerleader and beauty. She then attended McNeese State University for several years only to return to McNeese years later encouraged by her husband of 43 years, Judson J. McCann Jr. She subsequently graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education in December 1990. She was most proud of attending McNeese at the same time as her youngest daughter, Misty Carroll Davis, who also preceded her in death. They even took classes together.
Prior to graduating from McNeese, she was an independent sales consultant with Home Interiors, winning national sales awards, and then she worked many years for LaBove Jewelers. While attending McNeese, she taught at First United Methodist Church and subsequently did her student teaching under her sister in law, Sally Jean Picheloup. She then went on to teach for 20 years at Hamilton Christian School. During the final months of her life she was blessed to have some of her prior students, as her health care providers. But her biggest, most proudest legacy was having taught two granddaughters, Morgan Daughtery, now Principal of Hamilton and her sister, Katelyn Holland teacher, coach, and administrator with Hamilton.
Liz was “Born Again” on April 20, 1980, along with her daughter Misty. Her Christian faith sustained her through all her life, and most recently during her journey in battling cancer. She was the solitaire (Psalm 68:6) in her family, leading many to a saving relationship with Jesus. She had many, many friends and family she would readily share the “Word” with. She attended Abundant Life Fellowship and Our Savior’s Church in Jennings. As her last parting thought she made me promise to include that she is “temporarily closed for renovation-will reopen soon.” John 5:24
Liz and Judson were married Jan. 1, 1979. Her life was her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a constant presence in all their lives. Liz lived her life as she often quoted, “Blessed and Highly Favored.”
She is survived by Judson; her children, Bridget Doyle and Cecil of Lake Charles, Ricky Carroll and Jeanie of Sulphur and Kim Winston of New Orleans; as well as numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; additionally, her sisters, Charmayne Crawford of Lake Charles, Gena Evans and Doyle of Lake Charles, Tara Holcombe and David of Houston and Becky Jo Bussey and Frank of Gorman, Texas; and her brother, Freddie Hannie and Marie of Lake Charles. She was preceded in death by her bothers, Joe and George Hannie.
A non-traditional Memorial Remembrance will be held at Johnson Funeral Home at 2 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 19, 2022, where family and friends are encouraged to come share their hearts as the Holy Spirit so directs. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 12 p.m. until the start of the service at 2 p.m. Cremation has been entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home.
Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneralhome.net.