The family of Mary Sue Veal mourns her passing on Monday, August 24, 2026, with heavy hearts, but also with deep gratitude for the extraordinary life she shared with all who knew and loved her. For 84 years, Mary Sue enriched the lives of her family, friends, students, and the Biloxi community she called home.

Mary Sue was, in so many ways, the epitome of a Steel Magnolia — a woman of grace and warmth whose gentle manner was matched by a remarkable inner strength. She carried herself with dignity, welcomed others with genuine kindness, and possessed a resilience that sustained her throughout life’s joys and challenges.

Mary Sue was born on June 18, 1942, in Meridian, Mississippi, and was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Edward May, Jr. A lifelong resident of Biloxi, she was deeply devoted to the people and community that shaped her life.

Mary Sue is survived by her sons, Richard Charles Schmidt, Jr. (Cecilia) and Gavin Johnson Schmidt (Stacy), both of Biloxi; her stepsons, Brian Veal of Bainbridge, Georgia, and Dr. Kevin Douglas Veal (Lee) of Vienna, Austria; and her brother, John Edward May, III, of Hershey, Pennsylvania.

She was a proud and loving grandmother to Jack Schmidt (Colby), Heath Schmidt, and Ann Lauren Schmidt, all of Biloxi, and Gavin Schmidt, Jr. of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, as well as step-grandson Hunter Veal of Long Beach, Mississippi. She is also survived by her nephews, Justin May of Hershey, Pennsylvania, and Jaren May (Katherine) of Beaverton, Oregon; and her great-nieces, Hayley May and Myia May.

A graduate of Biloxi High School, Mary Sue attended the University of Mississippi, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Arts and certification in education. During her years at Ole Miss, she served as a member of the Student Senate and was an active member and officer of Delta Delta Delta Sorority.

Mary Sue dedicated much of her professional life to education. She taught English at Fernwood Middle School and Biloxi High School and served as chairman of the English Department at both schools. Her influence extended far beyond the classroom, as she remained a lifelong mentor and source of inspiration to many of her former students. Through her love of language, literature, and learning, Mary Sue left an enduring impression on generations of Biloxi students.

Service to others was a constant throughout Mary Sue’s life. She was President, Provisional Trainer, and a life member of Junior Auxiliary of Biloxi-Ocean Springs. Her dedication to volunteerism was recognized when she was selected by the Center for Voluntary Action as Mississippi’s Volunteer Activist.

Mary Sue was also an active participant in the civic and social life of her community. She was a member of Les Masquees Women’s Carnival Association, Gulf Coast Carnival Association, Dogwood Garden Club, and the Biloxi Yacht Club, where she served as president of the Ladies Auxiliary. She also served on the Board of Directors of the Biloxi Chamber of Commerce.

Her Catholic faith was a cornerstone of her life. Mary Sue was a devoted member of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, where she served as a CCD teacher, lector, Eucharistic Minister, member of the Parish Council, and volunteer in the church office. She also served as chairman of the Grandparents’ Club at Our Lady of Fatima School.

While Mary Sue’s accomplishments and contributions to her community were many, the center of her life was her family. She took great pride in her sons and their families and treasured her role as a grandmother.

Mary Sue leaves behind a remarkable legacy in the family she loved, the students she taught, the community she served, and the friendships she cherished. Her family, friends, former students, and community will deeply miss her, but they will remain grateful for her example, the lives she touched, and the love she shared.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Biloxi. Visitation will be held at the church from 10:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Southern Memorial Park in Biloxi.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial donations be made to Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 2090 Pass Road, Biloxi, MS 39531, for the St. Vincent de Paul Society or the Maintenance Fund for Retired Priests’ Homes.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Biloxi, is serving the family, and memories may be shared on her tribute page at www.riemannfamily.com