OBITUARIES

Elizabeth Ann Ward Schafer

Elizabeth Ann Ward Schafer

Dec 16, 2025

Elizabeth Ann Ward Schafer, lovingly known as Betty Ann, was born on March 12, 1937, in New Orleans, Louisiana. She departed from this world on December 16, 2025, in Gulfport, Mississippi, leaving behind a legacy of love, dedication, and warmth.

Throughout her life, Betty Ann devoted herself to creating a nurturing home for her family. Her unparalleled commitment was evident not...

Sharon Kaye Waggoner

Sharon Kaye Waggoner

Dec 16, 2025

Mrs. Sharon Kaye Waggoner (née Jenkins), age 77, passed away peacefully on December 16, 2025, in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Born on October 11, 1948, in Pike County, Ohio, she lived a life marked by devotion to her family and a deep appreciation for the simple joys that brought her happiness.

Sharon was the wife of Raymond Waggoner and a mother to...

Doreen Lenora Atwell

Doreen Lenora Atwell

Dec 16, 2025

Doreen Lenora Atwell, a beloved mother, sister, and grandmother, passed away on December 16, 2025. She will be remembered for her deep love for her family, particularly her cherished grandchildren.

Doreen was born to Robert and Leona Davison and grew up surrounded by family, fostering strong relationships that lasted throughout her life. She took great pride in watching her children grow...

Rose Marie Paola Lamey

Rose Marie Paola Lamey

Dec 16, 2025

Rose Marie Paola Lamey

October 28, 1931 – December 16, 2025

On Tuesday, December 16, 2025, Rose Marie Paola Lamey, known by family and friends as Rosie, passed peacefully at 3:37 a.m.

Rose Marie was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to Angelo Joseph and Jeanette Davidson Paola. When her father accepted a regional sales position with Swift & Company, the family relocated to...

Harold L Biksey

Harold L Biksey

Dec 15, 2025

Harold L. Biksey, a cherished member of the Gulfport community, passed away on December 15, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and dedication. Harold was the son of Mildred Biksey and Harold Lloyd Pace, and the adopted son of John Biksey. He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Mark Biksey, his brother Patrick Biksey, and his sister,...

Alyce A. Dana

Alyce A. Dana

Dec 15, 2025

Alyce Archer Dana, age 80 passed on peacefully December 15, 2025, in the presence of family and her friend and caregiver, Shannon.

Alyce had a full and adventuresome life. Born at the end of WWII in Greenwood, Mississippi, she grew up in state, first in the Delta, but mostly in Gulfport, where she was a proud graduate of Gulfport High (Class...

Priscilla "Honey" Lane Morgan

Priscilla "Honey" Lane Morgan

Dec 13, 2025

Priscilla Lane Morgan, affectionately known to all as "Honey," passed away peacefully at her home in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, on December 13, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Born on January 17, 1948, to Allie Lee Coburn and Louis J. Magee, Honey lived a life full of love, laughter, and music.

She is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Glen...

Peggy Marie Rowell

Peggy Marie Rowell

Dec 13, 2025

Peggy Marie Rowell, born on August 31, 1935, in Gulfport, Mississippi, passed away on December 13, 2025, in Gulfport, Mississippi. She was known for her love and devotion as a homemaker. Peggy was a longtime member of First Methodist Church of Long Beach, where she cherished her faith and community.

Throughout her life, she found joy in creating ceramics, a hobby...

Debora Lynn Brewton

Debora Lynn Brewton

Dec 13, 2025

Debra Lynn Brewton, age 63, of Savannah, Georgia, and a longtime resident of Gulfport, Mississippi, passed away on December 13, 2025, in Gulfport. She was a graduate of Harrison Central High School and remained connected to the Gulfport community throughout her life.

She is survived by her beloved sons, Matthew Brewton and Justin Riojas, and Justin’s husband, Matthew Kearney; Matthew Brewton’s...

Roger D. Melton

Roger D. Melton

Dec 13, 2025

Roger David Melton, age 77 of Vancleave, passed away Saturday, December 13, 2025.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Gonzales Melton and Shelby Melton; and his siblings, Johnny Melton, Jess S. Melton and Jeffery Melton.

Roger is survived by his children, Joanie (John) Alexander, Cindy (Michael) Chesney, Deanna (John) Tyrone, Roger Melton, Jr., and Amanda (Trey Davis) Shaw; his...

Edward Morgan

Edward Morgan

Dec 12, 2025

Eddie, a beloved son, brother, nephew, and cousin, passed from this life into the arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ, on December 12, 2025, at the age of 26, in Pass Christian, MS.

Born on October 1, 1999, in Biloxi, MS.

Eddie was a proud Pass Christian Pirate, graduating from Pass Christian High School, May 12, 2019.

Eddie brought joy and light to...

Patricia Maxine Lefeve

Patricia Maxine Lefeve

Dec 12, 2025

Patricia Maxine “Pattie” Lefeve, 72 years old, beloved sister, friend, and caregiver, passed away peacefully from pneumonia in Gulfport, Mississippi, on December 12, 2025. Born in Gulfport on February 15, 1953, Pattie was the daughter of the late Dr. Robert Lefeve and Maxine Lefeve. She is survived by her Brother, Michael and BB, her beloved “alternate mother,” who raised her...

Coach J. Larry Ladner

Coach J. Larry Ladner

Dec 12, 2025

Coach James Larry Ladner, age 88, of Kiln, passed away on December 12, 2025.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Earl E. Ladner and Birdie Mae Favre Ladner; brothers, Ronald David Ladner and Earl "Buck" Ladner; and his sister, Carolyn Ladner Adam.

Coach Ladner is survived by his wife of 65 years, Peggy Ann Ladner, his children, Pamela Ann Ladner...

David Lester Smith

David Lester Smith

Dec 11, 2025

David L. Smith, a devoted husband and father defined by curiosity, courage, and generosity, passed away on December 11, 2025 at the age of 72. Born on November 21, 1953, David lived a life rich in purpose, laughter, and deep love for both the natural world and the people who shared his journey.

A lifelong learner, David's passion for wildlife and...

Placido Jerome Rizzo

Placido Jerome Rizzo

Dec 11, 2025

Placido Jerome Rizzo, age 90 of Gulfport, MS, left this world after a long beautiful life on December 11, 2025, at home with his family. Placido was born on March 29, 1935 in Glassboro, NJ to his parents, Joseph and Katherine Rizzo.

Placido grew up in Glassboro, New Jersey with his parents and two brothers, John and Joe. Placido was the...

Nancy Marie Brown

Nancy Marie Brown

Dec 11, 2025

Nancy Marie Brown, age 62 of Gulfport, passed away Thursday, December 11, 2025.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Barbara Neal.

Nancy is survived by her loving husband of 41 years, Jimmy Brown; her children, Monica (Kevin) Lott, Shaun Brown and Krissy Brown; her grandchildren, Liberty, Charish, Memory, Kevin, Jr., Nilay, Nayla, Takoda, Chayton, Nicholas, Jr., Heaven, Isabella, Imelda, Jalen,...

William Kennith "Ken" Crawford, Sr.

William Kennith "Ken" Crawford, Sr.

Dec 10, 2025

William Kennith “Ken” Crawford Sr., age 85 of Gulfport, passed away on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Flora Dean Mooney Crawford, his father, William Pugh Crawford, and his sister and brother in law, Alice and Perry Ames.

William is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Peggy Herod Crawford; his children, Kimberly “Kymmer” Crawford,...

Dutch Franke, Jr.

Dutch Franke, Jr.

Dec 10, 2025

James V. "Dutch" Franke, Jr., age 80, of Long Beach, passed away peacefully on December 10, 2025, with his loving companion, Debi Allen, by his side. Dutch was born on July 5, 1945, in Gulfport, MS. He was preceded in death by his father James V. Franke, Sr. and his sister, Ruby Coleman. 

Dutch is survived by his mother, Everetta Franke;...

Marilyn Patout Keys

Marilyn Patout Keys

Dec 9, 2025

Marilyn Patout Keys, age 82 of Ocean Springs, passed away on Tuesday, December 9, 2025.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Eleanor Landwer Patout, and her father, Eugene Warren Patout.

Marilyn is survived by her loving husband, James Robert Keys; her children, Christopher Darren Keys, Meredith Lynn Cheney (Zach), and Ashley Keys Johnson (Dan); her sisters, Ginger Patout Stein (Joe)...

Sutton Beaux Lloyd

Sutton Beaux Lloyd

Dec 9, 2025

Sutton Beaux Lloyd Born November 21, 2025 – Passed Away December 9, 2025

Our precious son, Sutton Beaux Lloyd, was born on November 21, 2025, at 21 weeks and 3 days, and passed gently into the arms of peace on December 9, 2025. He is the beloved twin brother of Saige Ramona Lloyd, who welcomed him into Heaven, their bond forever...