Laurie Ann Dukes Symmes

Laurie Ann Dukes Symmes, age 66, a resident of Gulfport, passed away Sunday, September 11, 2016, in Gulfport.
She is preceded in death by her father, William Francis Dukes; and her grandparents, Mabel and Walter Cowles and Lorena and Walter Dukes.
Laurie is survived by her mother, Mrs. William (Maybelle) Dukes; her children, William Symmes and his wife, Katy Farned Symmes and Cowles Symmes and his wife, Mary Beth Richards Symmes; her siblings, Rena Dukes and Walter Dukes (Elaine); her grandchildren, Hannah Catherine, Mallory Ann, Tedford ""Ford"" Cowles, Yates Quitman, and Mary Frances; her nieces and nephews, Lee Wilburn, Laurie Elizabeth Dowell (Jim), Jessica Dukes (Jason Gazzo), Bill Dukes (Alisha); her great nieces, Carolyn, Emma, and Lillyan; her aunts and uncles, Janeil and Jim Dukes and Dolores and Warley Harper; and her cousins, Jimmy Dukes, Jan Dukes, and Bill Dukes (Kim).
Laurie earned her Bachelors of Science Degree and her Master's Degree in Education. Laurie began her impressive career as an educator as a 1st grade teacher in Forrest County. After moving back to Gulfport, she began her 37 year association with the Long Beach School District. Laurie was a 5th grade teacher at Quarles Elementary and a 7th and 8th grade teacher at Long Beach Middle School.
Laurie was the first Long Beach School District Interventionist for students with difficulty. She was instrumental in developing and implementing the Mediation Program at Long Beach Middle School and was also a Homebound Teacher for the Long Beach School District.
Mrs. Symmes received many award and honors during her career. In 2002, Long Beach Middle School dedicated its annual to Mrs. Symmes and in 2009-2010, Reeves Elementary dedicated it's yearbook to Mrs. Symmes. In 2001, Laurie was named as the Long Beach Middle School Teacher of the Year and was ultimately honored with being named the Teacher of the Year for the Long Beach School District.
After retiring from teaching, Laurie became a mentor to all new teachers at Reeves Elementary and was an MCT tutor who helped students who were struggling academically to become more successful. Laurie worked at Harper McCaughan Elementary as a teacher with the Drug Resiliency Program, funded by the Gulf Coast Task Force.
Laurie loved traveling and enjoyed going to school programs, ball games, and recitals to watch her grandchildren. Laurie always valued any event that allowed her to spend time with her many friends. She loved her church family at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Gulfport, where she was a charter member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, an elder, a lifelong choir member, Sunday School and Vacation Bible School Teacher, and Acolyte Director.
Laurie made everyone feel special. She made friends easily and valued each person who was her friend. She loved all children and helped many children become successful and productive adults. Laurie was a wonderful, Christian woman who loved life. She was completely devoted to her family. Laurie was a teacher of life, reaching so many in so many ways. The family is humbled by and appreciates the outpouring of love from her church and teaching families, as well as her friends she held so dear.
The family would appreciate any donation be directed to Westminster Presbyterian Church of Gulfport, 5005 Lawson Avenue, Gulfport, MS 39507, earmarked for children's programs.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m., Thursday, September 15, 2016, at Westminster Presbyterian Church.
The funeral service will be on Friday, September 16, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. in the church sanctuary, with a visitation for family and friends one hour prior.
RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport is serving the family, and an online obituary may be viewed and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com