Joan Chlorine Guffey

Joan C. Guffey, known by many as the “Angel of the Coast” because of her many years of service and volunteerism, died on Wednesday, April 30, 2014. She lived an exemplary life focused on compassion, faith and love. Her parents were Mercedes and John Guffey (both deceased). She is survived by Arnold and Helen Balius (sister) and John and Lorraine Guffey (brother), all of Biloxi. She is beloved in the hearts of all of her nieces, nephews, cousins, and so many dear friends, including Pauline (Jim) Craven, her best pal since childhood. Joan was born and lived most of her life in North Biloxi and belonged to Sacred Heart Parish. She attended St. Theresa School and graduated from d’Iberville High School in 1963. She worked many years as a bookkeeper for F.P. Corso, Inc., Blossman Gas Company, and later worked out of her home, while caring for her mother. Joan balked at formality and fancy doings, and preferred to remain down to Earth in her sneakers and a t-shirt, always ready to deliver meals to the elderly, to clean the church, and, to move mountains for so many of us. She would spring into action when anyone called on her. It seemed as if helping (people and pets) was her greatest purpose in life. She won the Lumen Christi Award for her outstanding dedication to serving people in need. When she landed in Diamondhead after Hurricane Katrina took her home, family and friends wondered how she’d find happiness so far from Back Bay. In no time, Joan had found a church, actually two (Annunciation and Most Holy Trinity Catholic Churches), plenty of volunteer work and dozens of wonderful new friends. Visitation will be Monday from 10-11:30 a.m., at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Pass Christian (9062 Kiln DeLisle Road), followed by a Mass of Christian Burial and a celebration of her life at 11:30 a.m. Graveside service for family will follow at Moran Cemetery in d’Iberville. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to any of Joan’s favorite charities: St. Vincent de Paul Society, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Hancock County Food Pantry, or a charity of your choice. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, in Biloxi, is in charge of arrangements.