Juanita "Anita" Melancon Muller

A pioneer of her time; a chemist, a model T mechanic, an airplane pilot, a pharmacist, Juanita (Anita) Melancon Muller, age 97, passed away on January 2, 2021. She was the first born child of Norris and Mary Melancon, owners of Melancon’s Café in Morganza, LA. Anita is survived by siblings; Bernie Melancon (Shirley), Ted Melancon (Jane), Patricia “Pat” Ramagos, children; Karyn M. LaFontaine, Lawrence J. (Jay) Muller, Lori G. Muller, grandchildren; Jarred J. LaFontaine and Ashley M. LaFontaine. She was preceded in death by her parents Norris and Mary Melancon; husband Lawrence J. Muller, Jr.; brother Clayton Melancon (JoAnn). Anita graduated from Morganza High School where she excelled in academics. She went on to graduate from SLI (now UL) in Lafayette, LA majoring in chemistry being awarded the top honor of scholastic achievement in the department of chemistry. Anita then attended LSU in Baton Rouge, LA and Loyola University in New Orleans, LA earning a Masters of Chemistry degree. She became a chemist for Exxon Mobil (Standard Oil). A few years later, Anita left to attend school in Houston, TX to become a pharmacist. There she met her husband, Larry, and moved to Gulfport, MS and opened Muller’s Pharmacy that remained open until their retirement. Anita was a member of St. James Catholic Church in Gulfport, MS. She was one of the longest serving female members of the Gulfport Civitan Club and first female pharmacist in Gulfport, MS in 1955. Due to COVID-19, a private graveside service will be held in Gulfport at a later date. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street in Gulfport, is honored to serve the Muller family.