Mary Anne Oberlies

Mary Anne McInnis Oberlies, age 78, of Gulfport, MS, passed away on September 7, 2026.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Louise McInnis; her brothers, Buddy McInnis and Bobby McInnis; and her grandson, Michael “Mikey” Brenneis.

Mary Anne is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Jerry Oberlies; her children, Jay Oberlies, Brian Oberlies (Sherry), Stephen Oberlies, and Angela Brenneis (Jens); her siblings, Linda Lambert, Trisha Gilliam, and David McInnis (Paula); her grandchildren, Raegan (West) Zimmerman, Cameron Oberlies, Donovan Pence, Lilly Oberlies, Lucy Oberlies, Brody Oberlies, Maci (Matt) Simmons, Anna Brenneis, Chloe Brenneis, Caleb Brenneis; numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

She was a native of Yazoo City, MS and a graduate of Yazoo City High School. She attended the University of Southern Mississippi. She retired from the Gulfport School System where she impacted her bosses, coworkers, and countless students by her example of faith and love spanning over three decades.

Her freshman year at Southern Miss, she met the love of her life, Jerry. It was at this point where life began for the two of them, and her lifelong vocation as wife, mother, and grandmother quickly took shape. She was a devoted and loving mother, supporting her children in all of their endeavors, never missing an event. Managing the schedules and belongings of all four children and often misplacing items, she quickly developed a devotion to St. Anthony. Mary Anne was involved in St. John High School and St. James Elementary School, holding PTO and school board leadership positions. She enjoyed baking, discount shopping, extreme couponing, and anything that involved supporting her grandchildren. You could often find Mary Anne at volleyball matches, gymnastics meets, baseball games, soccer games, and cheer competitions always with a bag full of goodies for her grandchildren and their teammates. She was voted “Best Gran” and received first place in brownie making by her grandchildren.

Mary Anne was a faithful and devoted member of St. James Catholic Church serving on the Parish Council, Altar Society, Bereavement Committee, living out her 4th Day of Cursillo, serving on retreat teams, and a faithful adorer in the St. James Adoration Chapel for over 30 years. She modeled simplicity and always greeted everyone she met with a contagious smile and a gentle spirit. She was a witness of fidelity to God and her family and kept her eye on the Eternal Prize of the Kingdom of Heaven, as a daily communicant for many years.

To have known Mary Anne, was to love her. She cared deeply for her family, friends and community, with great compassion. Every time you came in contact with her, you always left feeling better. She was a selfless woman, always putting others first. She wanted to know how you were doing, how your family was, and what she could do to make your life easier. Mary Anne’s strong Catholic Faith was a source of comfort, peace and inspiration for everyone who met her. Being a peacemaker is Mary Anne’s legacy. The light she was to this world will continue to shine brightly. Her love will remain forever in our hearts.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Matthew 5:7-9

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; St. James Catholic Church Youth, 366 Cowan Road Gulfport, MS 39507.

Visitation will be on Monday, September 14, 2026, from 10 am - 12 pm at St. James Catholic Church, 366 Cowan Road, Gulfport. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12 pm in the church. Interment will be in Evergreen Gardens Cemetery.

The Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is serving the family.