Frances Augusta Moye

Frances Augusta Moye, age 95 of Biloxi, MS passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, May 9, 2019. Frances was born in Talladega, AL on November 11, 1923, grew up in Laurel, MS, and was a resident of Biloxi since 1973. By her own account, Frances spent her youth as a carefree “Tomboy” nicknamed “Frankie” who loved playing sports with her brother James. She graduated from Laurel’s Gardiner High School in 1943, then worked as an Operator for Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph. Frances left Laurel about 1947 with intent on starting a career in Baltimore. She later moved to New York City where she modeled for the John Robert Powers Agency, and worked as a transcription typist for Norman Mailer among other authors. She married Irving Charles Berl of New York City in 1949, who preceded her in death in 1978. A life-long learner, Frances enrolled at the University of Southern Mississippi in 1970. She was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa and the Kappa Delta Pi Honor Societies. Frances earned a Bachelor of Science in Special Education (1972); a Masters of Science in Reading and Elementary Education (1973); and earned a Specialist Certificate and AAA Certification (1979). Frances taught in the Mississippi public school system for 20 years, including: Ocean Springs (East Elementary 1973-74); Biloxi (West End, Gorenflo, and Howard II elementary schools, and Fernwood Middle school from 1974-1989); and Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (1990-1993). Her special joy throughout her career was teaching the children of Vietnamese immigrants to read and write English. She touched many lives and considered “her children” part of her large extended family. She was forever proud to witness their lifelong successes. Frances will be remembered as a singular optimist who was ever the champion of the underdog, and as someone who lived and loved with passionate commitment. Frances was preceded in death by her parents, Frances Mason and Whiter Marvin Moye of Laurel, MS; her brother Dr. James Marvin (Mae Eleanor Freeman) Moye; and her sisters Feriba V. Moye (Vance) Brown, Margaret C. Moye (Paul) Anderson, and Anna Sue Moye (Dr. BIlly G.) Lightsey. She is survived by her son Michael Moye Berl of Biloxi, MS; her daughter Sharon Moye Berl (Hillary) Mesick of Long Beach, MS; three grandchildren: Jenifer (Glenn Meter) Welch of Austin, TX, Matthew Welch (Alexander) Fox of Atlanta, GA, and Timothy (Shennon O’Donnell) Welch of Petaluma, CA; her great grandson Carter Churchill Welch Fox; as well as many loving nieces and nephews. She will be missed by her step-grandchildren Edward (Alissa Varrati) Mesick, Jennifer Mesick Dixon, and Hattie Mesick (Jeremy) Schmidlkofer all of Anchorage, AK. She will be remembered as her children’s best friend, the best “Grandmommy” ever, and as everyone’s favorite Aunt Frances. The family extends heartfelt thanks to Reverend Rachel Benefield-Pfaff and to Mrs Lela Kinlock for their selfless service; and offers special appreciation to the many professionals with Kindred Hospice - all of whom provided insight and guidance - and were a blessing to our family in the months preceding. The family also recognizes the Leggett United Methodist Church congregation, and the Salus Home Care Agency for their ongoing support. The family suggests in lieu of flowers donations be made to Leggett United Methodist Church, or to Cocker Spaniel Rescue of Austin/ San Antonio http://www.austincockerrescue.org/ A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2019 at Leggett United Methodist Church, 1410 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, MS 39530. Visitation will be held at 1PM, and the service will begin at 2PM. All are invited to gather at the Leggett Fellowship Hall following the service. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, Howard Avenue, is in charge of arrangements.