Lou Gracie “Grace” Savona Bankston

Grace Savona Bankston, age 86, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday April 1, 2026. She was predeceased by the love of her life, Marvin Bankston, her husband of 61 years. She was also predeceased by her brothers CJ and Anthony Savona and her sister Rosemary Savona Aucoin. Grace is survived by her devoted daughter Susan Eleanor Bankston, her adoring daughter in law Amy Krass Bankston, her brother and sister in law Dominick and Donna Savona. She is also survived by her treasured grandchildren and their spouses: Lindsey Smith Ruiz (Jason), Connor James Smith (Jaslyn) and Bonnie Smith Jacobsen (Walter) as well as her cherished great grandchildren: Daniel Rome, Ezra Smith, Wyatt Ruiz, and Lydia Ruiz. Grace is also survived by a host of cousins and her best friend of 64 years, Bonnie Wall.

She graduated as valedictorian from West Jefferson High School in 1957 and then began work in the shipyard industry on the Harvey Canal right out of high school. She went to work for Wall Shipyard in 1960 where she later became part owner until its sale in 1982. Getting restless staying home, she woke up in the middle of the night and told Marvin she wanted to open an LSU store. That was the beginning of a new era in their lives. Through the doors of Tyger Gifts they met dear lifelong friends from 1983-2015. 

After her second retirement, she became a dedicated member of several groups: Desk and Derrick West Bank, JVFC, and Shamrock Investment Club. Grace loved all things LSU and was a faithful and enthusiastic fan for her entire adult life. She was an LSU football season ticket holder for 55 years and held season tickets to LSU Baseball for nearly 40 years. She was a devoted parishioner of St. Rosalie Catholic Church in Harvey. Grace truly lived life to the fullest: she loved traveling anywhere in the world, going to restaurants for almost every meal, reading thousands of books and spending time with family and friends. She loved her husband and daughter more than anything else. Grace had a beautiful smile that made everyone feel welcome, a sharp wit, and was respected and loved by all who knew her.

The family extends heartfelt and special thanks to her longtime friend and caretaker, Gertrude Bascile, to all at Fidelis Craig House, and to everyone at Fresenius Kidney Care Oschner-West Bank, especially Keisha for going above and beyond in her care.

Visitation will begin at 11:30am on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at Mothe Funeral Home, 2100 Westbank Expressway in Harvey, followed by a Catholic Mass at 1:30pm. Interment will follow at Westlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum. We will toast, celebrate and share stories at Legacy Kitchen’s Steak and Chop in Gretna following the mass until 5:30. 

In lieu of flowers, Grace requested donations to Shriners Hospital for Children, 3100 Samford Avenue, Shreveport LA 71103. Family and friends may view and sign the online guest book at www.mothefunerals.com