OBITUARIES
Gail Christine Verhaegen Sterling
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,...
Pat Gill
Feb 10, 2026
October 29, 1951 – February 10, 2026
James “Pat” Patrick Gill, 74, passed away peacefully at his home in Biloxi, Mississippi, on February 10, 2026. A lifelong resident of the Gulf Coast, Pat was born on October 29, 1951, and spent his entire life rooted in the community he loved.
Pat graduated from Biloxi High School and went on to build something...
Henry "Hank" A. DeSandre
Feb 10, 2026
Henry "Hank" Arnold DeSandre, a beloved member of his community and a dedicated family man, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2026, in Gulfport, Mississippi. He was born on April 27, 1945, and exemplified a life filled with hard work, commitment to service, and a deep love for his family.
Hank had an illustrious career as a sheet metal worker with...
Vivian Edith "Perky" Shoemaker
Feb 10, 2026
Vivian Edith “Perky” Shoemaker, age 96, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2026.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ora Shoemaker.
She is survived by three nephews and two nieces.
A graveside service will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026, at Long Beach City Cemetery.
Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is honored to serve the Shoemaker family during this difficult...
William Scott Guinn
Feb 9, 2026
Memorial services for William Scott Guinn, of Monroe, Louisiana, will be held at Mulhearn Funeral Home, 2308 Sterlington Road (Hwy 165 North), Monroe, Louisiana, at 2:00 P.M. on Thursday, February 12, 2025. Scott was a retired banker and charter fishing boat captain.
He is survived by his wife, Clara Moss Sartor Guinn; his sister, Jane Guinn Jones and her husband Bobby...
Jacob Wayne Sprowls
Feb 9, 2026
Jacob Wayne Sprowls, 43, of Gautier, Mississippi, passed away on Monday, February 9, 2026.
Born on April 15, 1982, Jacob was the son of Frederick and Robbyn Sprowls.
Jacob was a dedicated technician for Gallo Mechanical Services alongside his best friend and cousin, Jordan Hartrup. He was known for his strong work ethic, kind heart, and passion for helping others. He enjoyed...
Angela Mae Arnold Slocum
Feb 9, 2026
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Angela Arnold Slocum, age 36, of Bay St. Louis, MS on February 9, 2026. She is now with her mother.
She was born in Gulfport, MS on June 9, 1989 to Craig Arnold and Gwendolyn Smith.
Angela was preceded in death by Great-Grandparents; J.W. and Clara Mae Strong, Grand-Parents; Jack Smith and...
Robert Ross Jr.
Feb 9, 2026
Robert Ross Jr., age 63, of Picayune, Mississippi, entered into eternal rest on February 9, 2026.
Born in Biloxi, Mississippi, Robert was a proud Coast native who valued hard work, faith, and family above all else. He completed his education through the 11th grade and spent his career working with Pratt Industries in Hammond, Louisiana.
Robert loved hunting and fishing and treasured...
Christopher J. Martino
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...
Lester Gary Smith
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....
Peggy Sue Sturdivant
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...
Karen Ann Nelms
Feb 8, 2026
Karen Ann (Bobbie) Nelms, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on February 8, 2026, at the age of 83. Born on December 7, 1942, in Mendota, Illinois.
Karen spent many years building her career at Walmart, where she dedicated herself to her work and had the opportunity to connect with many individuals through her role. A proud graduate of...
Stacy L. Fortenberry
Feb 7, 2026
Mr. Stacy L. Fortenberry, age 58 of Gulfport, Mississippi, passed away on Saturday, February 7, 2026.
Mr. Fortenberry will be laid to rest at Biloxi National Cemetery. A graveside service will be held at 12:30 PM, Monday, February 23, 2026, at Biloxi National Cemetery, Biloxi, Mississippi.
Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is serving the family. Please sign the online guest book and...
Frances Elizabath Adams Hemphill
Feb 7, 2026
It is with profound sorrow we announce the passing of Frances Elizabeth Adams Hemphill, Mother of David Ryan Hemphill, wife of Zachary Ryan Hemphill, Sister of Allison Adams Lemons, Sister of Zachary Adams and Daughter of Sharon Adams Gray. Preceded in death by her Father David Adams.
Senior Master Sergeant Braxton Riley Pitts, US Air Force, Ret.
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...
Alton Ray Farley
Feb 6, 2026
Alton Ray Farley, born in 1936 in Hico, Louisiana, lived a life defined by service, faith, craftsmanship, and love for family. He passed away leaving behind a legacy of devotion that touched countless lives.He was the beloved son of Alton W. Farley and Eula Lee Farley, and grew up alongside his brothers, Donald Farley and Colbert Farley, and his sister,...
Theodore Kaj Madsen "Teddy"
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...
Jane Diane Arnett
Feb 5, 2026
Jane Diane Arnett, age 76 of Gulfport, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, February 5, 2026.
Diane, as she was known to all attended Ole Miss, earning a BA in Business Education and a Bachelor’s of Accounting. After obtaining her license as a Certified Public Accountant she served the citizens of Mississippi working for the State until retirement.
Diane loved...
Sandra Champagne Winston
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...
Jerome Cole Sr.
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 parents 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...
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