OBITUARIES

Feb 11, 2026

Gail Verhaegen Sterling, age 77 of Gulfport, passed away on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

She was preceded in death by parents, William Verhaegen and Christine Matheson Verhaegen; her husband, Cornelius “C.W” Sterling; her siblings, Dorothy Osborn, Florence Verhaegen, Charles Verhaegen and Catherine Verhaegen.

Gail is survived by her children, Karen Fithian and Brian (Rebecca) Fithian; her grandchildren, Allie Fithian, Michael (Becca) Fithian,...

Feb 10, 2026

Henry "Hank" A. Desandre, age 80, entered into eternal rest on February 10, 2026. 

A full obituary will be posted soon.

Visitation and funeral services will be held at Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road at Essington Road, Joliet, IL 60431.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is honored to serve the Desandre family during this difficult time.

Feb 9, 2026

Robert Ross Jr., age 63, of Picayune, Mississippi, entered into eternal rest on February 9, 2026.

The full tribute will be posted soon.

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 9113 Kiln Delisle Road, Pass Christian, MS 39571, beginning at 12:00 p.m. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m.

Riemann...

Feb 8, 2026

Christopher “Chris” James Martino, age 64, of Biloxi, Mississippi, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, February 8, 2026.

Chris was born on February 8, 1962, in Biloxi, Mississippi, where he remained a lifelong resident. He was a 1980 graduate of Notre Dame High School. His passion for football earned him a full scholarship to Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s...

Feb 8, 2026

Lester Gary Smith, age 92, was born on October 28, 1933, and he passed away on Sunday, February 8, 2026, peacefully in his sleep. He was born in Piave, MS but had a long life in Pascagoula, MS. Gary Smith proudly served our nation in the U.S. Navy. He graduated from Mississippi State University with a degree in Petroleum Geology....

Feb 8, 2026

Peggy Sue Sturdivant, age 81, of Gulfport, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2026, in Gulfport.

Peggy was born in Monticello, Mississippi, and was a longtime resident of Gulfport. She was a devoted educator who dedicated her life to teaching and serving others. Peggy proudly earned her Master’s Degree in Education and spent 24 years with the Harrison County School...

Feb 8, 2026

Karen Ann Nelms, age 83, of Gulfport, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2026.

A full tribute to her life will be shared at a later time.

Services will be private.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is honored to serve the Nelms family during this difficult time.

Feb 7, 2026

Feb 7, 2026

Senior Master Sergeant Braxton Riley Pitts, United States Air Force, Ret., age 97 of Ocean Springs, passed away on Saturday, February 7, 2026.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Owen Edward Pitts and Florance A. Pitts; his wife, Rita L Daub Pitts; his stepson, James A. Daub and Edward L Daub; his son-in-law, David McLaurin; a granddaughter, Morgan; five...

Feb 6, 2026

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Theodore Kaj Madsen, affectionately known as "Teddy," who left this world too soon on February 6, 2026, at the young age of 24. Born on April 15, 2001, Teddy was a graduate of Gulfport High School, Class of 2019, and furthered his education at Pearl River Community College, where...

Feb 5, 2026

Sandra Champagne Winston, age 87, of Pace, FL passed away peacefully in Kiln, MS on Thursday, February 5, 2026.

She is survived by her two sons, James Winston (Pamela) and Stark Winston (Pauline), and her three grandchildren, Keeli (Daniel), Chase, and Conner.

A private funeral service will be held where she will be laid to rest at Pensacola Memorial Gardens.

Riemann Family Funeral...

2026

Jerome Cole Sr., age 77, passed away peacefully on February 4, 2026, in Pascagoula, MS. Born in Manassas, VA, on January 14, 1949, to Lewis and Carrie (Russell) Cole. He was a long-time resident of Escatawpa, MS.

Jerome Cole Sr. will be remembered for his quick wit, love of cooking, and enjoyment of the outdoors and fishing.

Chief Petty Officer Jerome Cole...

Feb 4, 2026

John Harrison “Buck” Robuck passed away February 4, 2026. John was born in Lyman, South Carolina on May 4, 1934 to Charles and Elizabeth Robuck. The family moved to Georgia soon after his birth. Buck lived and died a Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket. 

Buck was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps and enjoyed his time as a recruiter....

Feb 4, 2026

Lloyd Richard Ball III, age 63, of Ellisville, MS, passed away on February 4, 2026, in Gulfport, MS.

Richard was born in Jackson, Mississippi, and spent his early years in Ellisville. In junior high school he moved to Gulfport, where he made lasting memories and friendships, before returning to Ellisville to complete his later high-school years. He was a proud graduate...

Feb 4, 2026

Helen Marie Cuevas, born December 27, 1949, of Pass Christian passed away on February 4, 2026, in Bay Saint Louis, MS. surrounded by her loved ones.

Helen is preceded in death by her husband, Rudolph Horace Cuevas Jr.; parents, Louis and Vera Niolet; siblings, Louis Niolet Jr. and Barbara Cuevas; and granddaughter, Jenny Henderson.

She is survived by her children, Pam (Rodney)...

Feb 3, 2026

Margaret Baine, 82 of Gulfport, Mississippi, went home to be with her Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ, on February 3, 2026.

Margaret was born on September 7, 1943, to Joseph and Alice Elliott. She grew up inOnancock, Virginia, and spent most of her adult life on the Gulf Coast.Known to many as “Miss Meg,” she was admired for her faith, kindness,...

Feb 3, 2026

Romeo Gabriel Weaver, age 9 of Pass Christian, passed away on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.

He was preceded in death by his uncle, Jesse Guzman

Romeo is survived by his mother, Yesenia Guzman; his sister, Amora Pineda; his grandmother, Maria Gamboa; his grandfather, Jesus Guzman; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Born in Gulfport and raised in Pass Christian, he attended the Harrison...

Feb 2, 2026

Lemara Daisy Mays, a warm and dedicated homemaker, passed away on February 2, 2026, in Biloxi, Mississippi, at the age of 79. Born on January 16, 1947, in Columbus, Ohio, Lemara led a full life that was rich with love and passion.

A native of Columbus, she made the move to the Gulf Coast later in life. This transition allowed her...

Feb 2, 2026

James Ross Norris, born on January 3, 1947, in the warmth of a loving family, passed away on February 2, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. A proud graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in engineering, James dedicated a significant portion of his career to Huntington Ingalls Industries, where his contributions were both valued and respected.

James was...

Feb 2, 2026

On February 2, 2026, Anneitta Elizabeth Banks, age 97, completed her earthly journey and was reunited forever with her precious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Having never retired from the work she loved, Sister Banks faithfully served as pastor of Fountain of Life Tabernacle Church in Lyman, Mississippi, a ministry she and her beloved husband, the late Reverend James E. Banks,...