Norma "Ms Pete" Stanford

Centenarian Norma Arlene Delk Stanford, known as “Ms. Pete”, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 12, 2025, surrounded by her loving family and caregivers. She dedicated her life to create a warm and nurturing home for her late husband of 44 years, Charles Frank Jr., and their three children.

Pete was born on August 13, 1923, in Atlanta Georgia, to William Robert and John Blanche Thompson Delk. She was the youngest of 7 children and always provided colorful loving heart felt memories of her childhood with 3 sisters (Elma, Ruth, Martha) and 3 brothers (William, Homer, Hugh). After graduating at Commercial High School, she started her first job as a secretary for the Headquarters Third Army. She worked 8 years with final position being lead stenographer for Colonel Grady Burnett.

After marrying Charles in 1950, they both moved to Hattiesburg, MS., then on to Gulfport, MS in 1951. Over the years she has volunteered at local schools, Baptist Missions and Feed My Sheep. She was a wonderful homemaker and seamstress and enjoyed spending time with her family, friends and with her church, First Baptist Church of Gulfport. Her popcorn treat bags were a Halloween favorite in the neighborhood. Pete was friendly to everyone she met and cared for her friends with utmost vigor.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Frank Stanford, Jr., her parents, William Robert and John Blanche Delk, and her 6 siblings.

She is survived by her three children: Gregory, Cynthia Grego (Leonard), Gary (Kelly); six grandchildren: Zachary Stanford, Angelina Lindner (Masen), Jenavieve Grego, Joshua Stanford, Elijah Stanford, Christian Stanford; two great grandchildren, Aiden Grego and Lewis Lindner; Nieces: Linda Delk Palmer (Jack), and Winnie Chastain Cook (Rick); and her Nephew: Ricky Delk (Cheryl).

A celebration of Pete's life will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Road in Gulfport. Visitation will be held from 1:00 unto 1:50 p.m., with the Service at 2:00 p.m. Following services, Pete will be laid to rest at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens in Gulfport.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Baptist Children’s Village, a cause close to Ms. Pete’s heart Baptist Children's Village

Please sign the online guestbook, and share memories at www.riemannfamily.com