Frances "Miriam" Moak Western

Frances "Miriam" Moak Western of Gulfport and formerly of Bay St. Louis, died peacefully on Friday, April 27, 2012, with her family at her side. She was born on October 17, 1918, in Tylertown, MS. She was preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin Franklin and Frances Holmes Moak; her brother, Benny Moak; and her husband of 34 years, Price Sydney "Buddy" Western. She is survived by daughters Carol (Nathan) Paola and Ellen (Billy) Alexander, both of Long Beach; grandchildren John "Jody" (Kim) Paola of Ovett, MS, Misty Alexander of Atlanta, GA, Jaimie (Josh) Bolden of Fort Riley, Kansas, and Kim (Mikey) Bertucci of Long Beach; as well as great-grandchildren Brenna Paola, Jaylin Paola, Drake Bolden, Alexander Bolden, and Sadie Kate Bertucci. In 1955, the family moved to Bay St. Louis, and in 1959 opened the Hobby Shop in Gulfport. Mrs. Western was an active member of Guinn Memorial United Methodist Church, and later of Mississippi City United Methodist Church. She was Secretary of Guinn Church and of the Gulfport United Methodist Cluster. She enjoyed the care of young children as a Brownie leader, kindergarten teacher, and provider of day care. At age 93 she was still teaching a Sunday School class at her church. The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff of 4-C and 4-D at Memorial Hospital and Odyssey Hospice for the considerate and loving care extended to their mother during her time in the hospital. They also wish to thank the staff of Stone County Rehabilitation Center for their kind and gentle care. Funeral services will be held at Mississippi City United Methodist Church in Gulfport on Monday, April 30, at 11:00 am with visitation beginning at 10:00. Interment will be at Gulf Pines Memorial Gardens on 28th Street in Long Beach immediately following the services. In lieu of flowers, the family requests expressions of sympathy to be made to the Mississippi City United Methodist Church at 219 Courthouse Road in Gulfport, MS, 39507. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport is in charge of arrangements.