Tamelia D. Bender

Tamelia Dorcette Bender, 46, of Poplarville, MS, passed away peacefully at home on September 23, 2025.

She was preceded in death by adopted parents, Olivia and George Bender; biological parents, Lorraine Wiley and Ronald Joseph Whitson (Sharon); maternal grandparents, John R. Wiley and Helen Graham (Eugene); paternal grandparents, Grunave and Willie Johnson; nephew, Preston James Wiley; aunt, Joyce Collins of Poplarville; and uncle, John R. Wiley Jr. of North Carolina.

She is survived by her sister, Tamica Bender of Poplarville, brothers, Aaron Wiley of Purvis, MS, Ronald Joseph Lewis (Hilary) of Oklahoma; a dear aunt, Dr. Linda Price (Tyrone) of Ocean Springs, MS; grandmother, Sandra Wiley of Houston, TX; and special friends, Dina Cristales, Greg Hollingsworth, and Mrs. Nora.

Tamelia was born in Picayune and graduated from Poplarville High School in 1997, where she proudly played trombone as a member of the Green Machine Marching Band. She went on to attend Pearl River Community College, continuing her love of music with the marching band, before pursuing studies in Speech Pathology at the University of Southern Mississippi.

After taking a break from school, Tamelia began her career with Walmart of Picayune, where she worked with dedication and commitment until her illness.

Known for her infectious sense of humor, Tamelia had a smile that could light up any room and a laugh that was unforgettable. She had a true passion for arts and crafts, especially painting, and found joy in all genres of music. She was also an avid football fan, cheering enthusiastically for LSU and the Saints. A woman of faith, Tamelia was a devoted member of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Biloxi.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to Forrest General Hospital, Ochsner Hospital of Slidell, and Compassus Hospice. Special gratitude is also extended to Stephanie Lucas, Monica Smith, Brother Paul Young, Father Max, Father Henry, Father Jorge, Madeline Rickman and the parishioners of Our Lady of Fatima, and the associates of Walmart #970 for their endless support, thoughts, and prayers.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, October 27, 2025 at 11:00 am with visitation starting at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, Biloxi. Inurnment will follow at the Southern Memorial Park, Mausoleum Chapel, Biloxi.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or Children’s Miracle Network.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Biloxi is serving the family.

An online obituary can be found, and memories shared at www.RiemannFamily.com