Gracie Pearl Milam

In Loving Memory of Gracie Pearl Milam

April 10, 1936 – October 9, 2026 

Gracie Pearl Milam, 90, of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on

October 9, 2026, leaving behind a beautiful legacy of faith, love, compassion, and devotion to her family.

Born on April 10, 1936, in Delhi, Louisiana, Gracie grew up with a strong will, an independent spirit,

and a wonderful sense of humor. She often recalled getting into trouble during grade school

years for giggling, a delightful glimpse of the playful spirit she carried throughout her life. She was

a woman who knew her own mind and held firmly to her convictions, yet never felt the need to

impose her opinions on others. Her strength was matched by a deep loyalty to those she loved and a

genuine compassion for those around her.

Following her graduation from high school, Gracie moved to Little Rock, Arkansas, where she met

the love of her life, Jimmie Darrell Milam. Their love story would span 65 years of marriage, a

lifetime of shared adventures, raising a family, and walking together in faith.

Gracie and Jimmie eventually made their home in Shreveport, Louisiana, where they raised their

family and built a life centered on their love for one another, their children, and their faith in God.

A dental assistant by trade, Gracie possessed a remarkable collection of talents that extended far

beyond her profession. She was an exceptional seamstress, a gifted artist, and a wonderful cook.

Whether she was creating something beautiful with her hands, preparing a delicious meal, or

finding a way to make something special for someone she loved, Gracie had a gift for turning

ordinary things into expressions of love.

Above all, she loved her family. Caring for those she loved was not simply something she did; it was

part of who she was. Fiercely loyal and wonderfully independent, she found joy in making a home,

sharing her talents and ensuring that the people around her felt loved and cared for. Her love was

often expressed through the countless things she did for others, both large and small.

Gracie’s Christian faith was the foundation of her life. She spent countless hours reading and

studying the Bible, developing a deep understanding of God’s Word that she eagerly shared with

others. Throughout much of her life, she taught Sunday School and other Bible classes, finding great

purpose in helping others grow in their knowledge of Scripture and their relationship with Jesus

Christ. For Gracie, faith was not simply something to profess; it was something to study, to teach,

and, most importantly, to live.

She also had a special place in her heart for those who were overlooked, struggling, or simply

needed someone in their corner. Gracie loved the underdog. She believed in offering

encouragement, extending compassion, and helping those who might otherwise be forgotten. Her

willingness to stand beside someone in need reflected both the strength of her character and the

depth of her Christian faith.

Gracie shared 65 years of marriage with her beloved husband, Jimmie. Their lives were woven

together through family, faith, and the many joys and challenges that come with a lifetime spent side

by side. Together, they passed along a legacy of devotion to God and love for family that will continue for generations.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jimmie Darrell Milam.

Gracie is survived by her daughters, Deborah Milam Patrick (Emanuel “Manny”) and Sheli Milam

Sams (Bradley); her stepson, Jim Milam (Daisy); her brothers, Wayne Hays and Perry Hays; her grandchildren, Kelly Davis

(Karsten), Joey Johnson (Ashlan), Peyton Sams, and Avery Sams; and her great-grandchildren, Knox

Davis, Hayse Davis, Magnolia Davis, Emma Davis, Emma Kate Johnson, Kinsley Patrick, Andrew Patrick, and Olivia Patrick.

Gracie will be remembered for her capable hands, her creative spirit, her generous heart, her

wonderful sense of humor, and her unwavering faith. She was a woman of conviction without

judgment, strength without pretense, and loyalty without condition. She could create beauty, offer

comfort, teach God’s Word, and stand up for someone who needed a friend. And somewhere beneath

that determined and independent spirit was still the little girl who couldn’t quite contain her giggles.

While her family will dearly miss her presence, they find comfort in the faith she held so closely

throughout her life and in the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

Her greatest legacy is not found simply in the beautiful things she created or the many things she

accomplished, but in the love she gave, the faith she shared, and the lives she helped shape.

A life of faith. A heart for others. A love that will live on for generations.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at Riemann Family Funeral Home, from 9:00 a.m. until the10:00 a.m. funeral service. Interment will be in Crestlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Ocean Springs.

The Riemann Family Funeral Home, 13872 Lemoyne Blvd. in West Jackson County, is honored to serve the Milam Family. Share condolences and memories by visiting our website at www.riemannfamily.com