Aimee Starks Blais

Aimee Starks Blais, 88, died on Tuesday, January 7, 2014. Born in Biloxi, she was the oldest of 10 children born to Jim Starks, founder of Starks Contracting Company, and Aimee Marie Faurie Starks. She graduated from Sacred Heart in 1943. In 1948, she married Dick Blais, an airman stationed at Keesler. They were happily married until his death in 2004. Though they moved away for 20 years, they remained closely attached to family and friends on the coast, and returned to Ocean Springs when Sgt. Blais retired in 1966. They were avid boaters and easily recognizable at the Biloxi Small Craft Harbor, where they maintained a boat along with many other friends who frequented the Chandeleur Islands. They were active in several carnival organizations, and Aimee was a past queen of La Danseus. For more than 10 years, “Miss Aimee” could be found at Treasure Bay on Wednesdays, where she would meet with several generations of her family members for lunch and slots. Even at 88 years old, she was a wonderful cook and prepared a large dinner every Friday for her extended family. She was a devout Catholic who lived her faith. On Sunday, she could be found at St. Michael Church, where she dearly loved her pastor and fellow parishioners, and was part of an extended family there. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dick; her beloved sisters and brother, Margaret Reinhart, Sr. Mary Aimee, and James Starks, Jr. Mrs. Blais is survived by her son, Rick (Vickie); her grandson, Thomas (Lynn); and great-grandson, Ricky; as well as her brothers and sisters, Sister Mary Fatima, Mary Elizabeth Nappo, John Starks, Weldon Starks, Bobby Starks, and Leonard Starks. Memorial Donations can be made to the St. Michael Catholic Church building fund, 177 1st Street, Biloxi, MS 39530. A Memorial Mass will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, January 10, 2014 at St. Michael Catholic Church, where friends may visit one hour prior. The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com