Mary Ann Byrd Deslatte, passed away on May 23, 2026, in St. Francisville, Louisiana, leaving behind a legacy rich with love, warmth, and dedication. Born on November 2, 1954, in Gulfport, Mississippi, Mary Ann was a woman whose life was deeply intertwined with her Catholic faith and a heart that bridged the tranquility of the country with the vibrant hopes of city living.

Mary Ann’s journey was marked by her courageous move from the quiet embrace of Kiln, Mississippi, her native home, to a bustling city to secure a brighter future for her beloved son. Though her surroundings changed, her spirit and soul remained firmly rooted in the simple, enduring charms of country life. Her career as a carpenter helper and devoted housewife showcased a strength and nurturing spirit that touched all who knew her.

Her days were filled with the melodies of country music, the beauty of her garden, and the joy she found in beautifying her yard—a sanctuary that was as much a reflection of her tender nature as it was a place of peace. Mary Ann’s talents and passions extended to the kitchen, where her cooking was an embrace of comfort and tradition, and to lively evenings spent playing cards, dancing, and watching her grandchildren’s softball games. A quietly generous soul, she also found joy in feeding the birds, a small act that reflected her gentle care for all living things.

Mary Ann is lovingly remembered by her husband, Larry Deslatte; her children, Roy and Atika Byrd; and her brother, Norman Ladner. Family was the cornerstone of her life, and she took immense pride in her many grandchildren—Beaux, Juneaux, Cleaux, Roy Jr., Shaun, Logan, and Alyssa—each of whom carried a piece of her heart with them. The arrival of a great-grandchild, Tobias Lee Arceneuax, added yet another thread to the beautiful tapestry of her family. Though she mourned the loss of Chris, Chad, and Amanda Deslatte, Mary Ann’s enduring love continues to shine through the memories shared by all who knew her.

Friends and family will gather to honor Mary Ann’s life with a visitation starting at 1:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the Riemann Family Funeral Home in Gulfport, Mississippi. This gathering will be a poignant moment to celebrate the remarkable woman who gave so much of herself, whose legacy will live on in the hearts of those she cherished.

Mary Ann Deslatte’s story is one of gentle strength and profound love, a testament to a life well-lived and a spirit that found joy in every moment shared with family. As we remember her, we hold close the countless ways she touched our lives—with her warmth, her laughter, and her unwavering devotion. Though she has departed, the garden of her memory blooms forever in the lives she enriched.

Riemann Family Funeral Home in Gulfport is honored to serve her family.