Verda Abshire Skrmetta

Verda Abshire Skrmetta, age 100, died peacefully on February 1, 2021, in Ocean Springs. She was born in Kaplan, Louisiana, on March 20, 1920, not long after the 1918 flu pandemic. She was preceded in death by parents Noila and Joseph Abshire, husband John Michael Skrmetta, daughter Karen Smith and three brothers- Joyce Henry Abshire, Harold Abshire, and Alva Abshire. Verda is survived by her daughters Autie Conant (Dick) of Ocean Springs, Marilyn Medley (Doug) of Gulfport, Johneen Goltermann (Glen) of Pensacola, and Michelle Skrmetta of Atlanta. She also leaves behind 11 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and her special nephew, Butch Abshire of Bridge City, Texas. Verda’s life revolved around her family- and her family included just about everybody on the Point. Everyone was always welcome at Verda’s house, where a big pot of something good would be cooking. If word got out that she’d made her Sunday gumbo and potato salad (served IN the gumbo), she’d have a full house for Sunday lunch. When she was widowed in her 50’s, she volunteered at the church nursery across from her home and stayed for 25 years. Her only advice was to be kind and get an education. Verda was a rock- only another pandemic could stop her. A private family graveside service will be held at a later date. Memorials in her honor may be made to Bethel Free Clinic at 1650 Carrol Drive, Biloxi, 39531. The family expresses special thanks to the Lighthouse in Ocean Springs, especially to Velvet and Tamara, for their care and compassion. Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home, Howard Avenue, is honored to serve the Skrmetta family.