Lydia Grace Besse Temple, age 81, went home to be with her Lord in Heaven on Thursday, May 24, 2018. She was preceded in death by her parents Raoul Besse Jr. and Avanelle Turan Besse; her brother, Robby Besse, III; and her husband, Curt Temple.
Lydia was born at home in Gulfport on December 5, 1936. She graduated from Gulfport High School in 1954 and attended the University of Southern Mississippi. She was a Dixie Darling the first year the dance club was founded. She retired from the Harrison County Clerk’s Office.
She is survived by her sister, Micki Besse Barnhill (Rick) of Gulfport; her daughters, Gina Dubuisson Sharpton and Michele Hall Gibbs of Gulfport; her sister-in-law, Jackie Besse of Slidell, LA; three grandchildren, Michael Riser of Pascagoula, Kyle Gibbs of Colorado, and Caydee Gomez of Ocean Springs; nieces and nephews, Tom, Cari, Bubba, Becky, Elise and Melinda.
Lydia was a faithful member of the local philanthropic club, the “Gatormates”. She cherished all the friendships she made.
There will be a private graveside service at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, Lydia requested donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com