Cover photo for Matilda  Gerkens  Mallett's Obituary
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Matilda Gerkens Mallett

d. January 15, 2018

Matilda Gerkens Mallett

Mrs. Matilda Gerkens Mallett, known by all as Tillie, passed away on January 15, 2018, surrounded by her family and loved ones following a brave fight with cancer. Tillie was born November 10, 1933, the ninth of eleven children of John (Johann) and Alice Price Gerkens. Tillie was raised in Biloxi and attended Sacred Heart Academy, graduating in 1952. She played the snare drum in the “All Girl Marching Band.” She attended Providence School of Nursing in Mobile Alabama, graduating in 1955, and began a career that spanned 40 years. Tillie began working for Dr. William Tisdale shortly after graduation, and in 1968, joined the nursing staff of Howard Memorial Hospital. She became the Head Nurse of the ICU, during which time she spearheaded the campaign to allow nurses to wear pants as part of the uniform, making it easier for them to take care of critically ill patients. Tillie had an excellent relationship with all of the physicians and nurses she worked with and was respected by all for her caring and intelligence. Following years of service in the ICU, she became the Director of Staff Development. In this role, she was responsible for new employee orientation and medical staff education. She worked with physicians and nurses throughout the Gulf Coast in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), imparting these skills to many and impacting the lives of untold patients. In 1982, Tillie was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Following her recovery, she spent 15 years as a volunteer for Reach to Recovery, a program that helped other women with this diagnosis achieve physical and emotional healing. Tillie retired from nursing in 1996. She found joy and happiness in many things, dancing and travelling with her favorite partner, Harrell, watching her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren grow, and the simple pull of the slot machine. She loved Mardi Gras, her favorite holiday. Tillie rarely missed the parade and was known to ride the family float, throwing beads to as many as possible. She was a lifetime member of the Billikins Carnival Organization, reigning as queen in 1988. Tillie was a woman of great character and faith, graciousness and kindness, and will missed more than words can express. Tillie was preceded in death by her loving husband of 58 years, Harrell McDonnell Mallett; infant brother, John Gerkens Jr.; her parents, John and Alice Jean Price Gerkens; her sisters, Alice Jean Bullinski, Mary Louise Kopp, John Adele Osley, Anna Sophia Welch and her brother Robert Gayord Tubre. She is survived by her four children, Debra Mallett Pitzer (Steve), Dr. John Mallett, Thomas Mallett (Michelle) and Dr. Presley Mallett (Tara); grandchildren, Christina Pitzer Mason (Greg), Amy Pitzer Bain (Mike), Steven Pitzer, Michael Pitzer, Dwayne Mallett, Kyle Mallett, Delaney Mallett, Karsyn Mallett, Dr. Ian Mallett, Samuel Mallett, and Joshua Mallett; great grandchildren, Brandon Pitzer, Gabriel Mallett, and John Thomas Mason; sisters, Alma Gerkens Campbell, Sarah Gerkens Gingles (Sally), Harriet Gerkens Seymour, and Martha Gerkens Dartez (Curtis); special family friends, Lizabell Chinn, JoLyn Hitt, Dr. Robby Williams and Joseph Williams; many nieces and nephews and god children. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church or the Mallett Family Scholarship at MGCCC, P. O. Box 99, Perkinston, MS 39573. The family would like to express their deep appreciation to Dr. Reza Motakhaveri and Dr. Allison Wall. Visitation will be held from 6pm to 8pm on Thursday, January 18, 2018 at the Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-’Keefe Funeral Home. The recitation of the Rosary will begin at 6pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in D’Iberville beginning at 11am on Friday, January 19, 2018 with visitation occurring two hours prior to service. Interment will immediately follow the mass at the Old Biloxi Cemetery.
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Past Services

Visitation

Thursday, January 18, 2018

6:00 - 8:00 pm

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home - Gulfport

59 Wayside Rd, Stuart, VA 24171

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Visitation

Friday, January 19, 2018

9:00 - 11:00 am

Sacred Heart Catholic Church of D'Iberville

10446 Lemoyne Blvd., D'Iberville, MS 39540

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Service

Friday, January 19, 2018

Starts at 11:00 am

Sacred Heart Catholic Church of D'Iberville

10446 Lemoyne Blvd., D'Iberville, MS 39540

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Cemetery

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home - Gulfport

59 Wayside Rd, Stuart, VA 24171

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