Nancy Elizabeth Merrick "Momma Nancy" Tauzin

Nancy Elizabeth Merrick Tauzin “Momma Nancy”, passed away on Monday, January 14, 2019, at 79 years of age. Nancy was a life-long native of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and was a graduate of Biloxi High School’s class of 1958. She later received her cosmetology certification from the Jackson MS board of cosmetology. Nancy and the love of her life, the late Vincent Tauzin, Sr. had a passion and drive for success. In their time together, they owned and operated several local businesses, including Stay ‘n Style beauty and Barber Shop, Vince’s Variety Store, Oak Street Package Store and Vincento’s Restaurant and Lounge. Later in Nancy’s life, she retired from Isle of Capri Casino, where she worked in Banquets and Services. In Nancy’s retirement years, she enjoyed designing beaded jewelry, spending time with her family and friends and an occasional trip to the Palace Casino. She enjoyed planning family gatherings and that legacy of strong family values will be carried on by her children. Nancy was the type of person who did not meet a stranger - she touched many lives, even in her final days with the wonderful staff of Merit Health Biloxi. Nancy was preceded in death by her husband, Vincent Tauzin Sr.; her parents, Dorothy Merrick Strong and James Merrick; step-fathers, Willard Rushing and Walter Strong; half-brother, Mitchell Strong; mother-in-law, Laurence Tauzin Romero; and father-in-law Stanley Tauzin. Nancy is survived by her children, Vincent Tauzin, Jr., Letitia Tauzin (Kenneth) Trochesset, Dwayne Tauzin, Noel Tauzin and Sharron Tauzin (Anthony Johnson – fiancé); her grandchildren, Amber Trochesset; Brandi Trochesset (Trevor Kopszywa – fiancé), Aleyah Madden, Trenton Madden and Rachel Allen; and her siblings, Mary Margaret Merrick (Marvin) Musgrave and William “Billy” Rushing. She leaves behind a legacy filled with many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear family friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Michael Catholic Church on Saturday, January 19, 2019 at 11:00 am. Friends may visit from 10:00 am until Mass time. Interment will follow at Biloxi City Cemetery. A Celebration of Life reception will be held at Elks Lodge 606, 1178 Beach Boulevard, Biloxi MS. The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.