Dianne Toop Ferguson, age 83 of Gautier, passed away on Saturday, August 1, 2026.

She was preceded in death by her, parents, Harold and Eileen Toop; her son, Brett Lakin and her siblings, Harold Toop, Jr., and Joyce M. Johnson.

Dianne is survived by her loving husband, Robert Ferguson; her daughter, Eileen (John) Hipps; her grandchildren, Alani Lakin, Justin Lakin, Wade (Jaden) Lakin and Sean (Hayley) Hipps; her great grandchildren, Evangeline Lakin, Gwendolyne Lakin and Eloise Hipps; her siblings, Denise (John) Shilstone, Joan (Dean) Higginbothom and Peggy (Sonny) Tanner; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Born in New York, Dianne lived there until the age of six, when her family moved to Long Beach, Mississippi. She was a proud graduate of Long Beach High School and went on to earn her bachelor's degree from the University of Southern Mississippi.

After graduating from college, Dianne began her career as a mathematics teacher at Gulfport High School. She later continued teaching in New Jersey, where she retired from education. Following her retirement, and shortly after Hurricane Katrina, she returned home to the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

She loved watching science fiction movies and never lost her childlike sense of wonder. Nothing meant more to her than spending time with her family, especially her beloved grandchildren. She also had a fondness for Cherry Coke, always with two cherries, a small tradition that her family will remember forever.

Graveside service will be held at Biloxi National Cemetery at a later date.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, West Jackson County, is honored to serve the family. An online guestbook may be signed and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com .