Barbara Strevett Couvillon, 81, of Tifton passed away Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at Cypress Pond Assisted Living in Tifton. Her funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 20, 2026, in the Chapel of Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals with the Rev. Mark Myers officiating. Mrs. Couvillon will be laid to rest at Tift Memorial Gardens.
Ramsey Willis, Keaton Pearson, Alex Couvillon, Jeffrey Wessel, Ryan Wedgeworth, Connor Couvillon and Gary McGuinness will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Jamie Haswell, Jackie Haswell, Jason Haswell, Jarrett Haswell, Don Pearson and David Pearson.
Born September 28, 1944, in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, Mrs. Couvillon was the daughter of the late Albert Victor Douglas Strevett and Lillian Dorothy Hoppa Strevett. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Gary Peter Couvillon; one son, Brian Vernon Couvillon; and one brother, Len Strevett.
There are some people whose love reaches far beyond family, beyond walls, and beyond expectation. Our beloved “Gigi” was one of those rare souls.
Known first and foremost as the best grandmother anyone could ask for, Gigi’s love didn’t stop with her own grandchildren—it extended to an entire neighborhood. Her home was a place of warmth, laughter, and open doors. After school, her grandchildren would gather there, knowing they’d find not only treats and goodies, but comfort, joy, and unconditional love. And they were never alone—friends and neighborhood children came too, because everyone knew Gigi’s house was a special place. To them, she wasn’t just someone else’s grandmother—she was theirs too.
Her kitchen was always full, her heart even fuller. Whether it was snacks for children or kindness for anyone in need, Gigi gave freely and joyfully. Even the neighborhood dogs knew her love. Each one had their own place in her heart—and their own treats waiting. With milk bones in hand and a smile on her face, she made sure every wagging tail felt just as welcome as every child who walked through her door.
Gigi was also a devoted wife and a loving mother to her twin daughters and her son. She was always there—steadfast, caring, and present in every moment that mattered. Her family was her foundation, and she gave them her very best every single day.
She also had a spark for life that showed in the things she loved—especially her trips to play the slot machines. She didn’t care for cards, but give her a slot machine and she was in her element. Whether in Vegas or on her trips to Louisiana, she played with joy and confidence. As far as her family knew, she was always winning—and she certainly won the hearts of everyone who knew her. She was known, welcomed, and loved wherever she went.
In her final months, she faced serious health challenges with remarkable grace. Though her body grew tired, her spirit never lost its warmth. She greeted visitors with a cheerful smile and never complained. She spoke honestly about her weariness and her readiness to go home—to be reunited with her beloved husband Gary and her son Brian, who had gone before her. There was peace in her words, and a quiet strength in her acceptance.
Gigi will be deeply missed by her twin daughters, her devoted sons-in-law, her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the countless children and families whose lives she touched. Her absence will be felt in every corner of the neighborhood she helped make feel like home.
But more than anything, we hold onto the love she gave so freely. We take comfort in knowing she is now at peace, reunited with those she longed to see again.
Gigi was truly one of a kind. She was love in its purest form—and she will never be forgotten.
Mrs. Couvillon leaves behind to cherish her memory, two daughters and sons-in-law, Kelly and Mike Pearson and Kim and Mike Willis, all of Tifton; one sister and brother-in-law, Carol and Ron Manktelow of Sarnia, Ontario, Canada; seven grandchildren, Cayla Beasley, Ramsey Willis, Taylor Wessel, Alex Couvillon, Lexie Willis, Keaton Pearson and Connor Couvillon; and six great-grandchildren, Michael Ramsey Willis, Anna Blaine Willis, Sawyer Wessel, Charlie Couvillon, Kynlee Beasley and Khloe Beasley.