Willie Mae Travis

Willie Mae Travis, 66, of Kiln, MS passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Saturday, June 2, 2018 after a long, courageous battle with Lung Cancer. She was born February 1, 1952 in Slidell, LA to Elmer and Ollie Davis and a lifelong resident of Hancock County. She was a graduate of Slidell High School and a graduate of the University of Southern MS where she earned a degree in Biotechnology and Molecular Sciences. She was employed for 16 years at the Sleep Institute of the Mississippi Gulf Coast where she worked as a Polysomnographic Technologist, a job she loved and thoroughly enjoyed. Willie loved working in the yard, her dog, “Smokey-Joe”, shopping and spending time with her family and friends. She was proceeded in death by her parents and her sister, Rita Rodgers Davis. She is survived by her beloved husband of 48 years, Milton Travis; son, Chris Travis of Kiln, MS; daughter, Angela Gilbert (Scott) of Clarks Summit, PA; grandchildren, Milton Tyler Travis (Darian), Brianna Travis, Chris Travis II, and Scottie Gilbert; sisters, Annie Wainwright of Saint Petersburg, FL; Dorothy (Gerald) Ladner of Perkinston, MS; brother, Wayne Davis (Tina) of Long Beach, MS; brothers-in-law, Adrian Travis (Andrea) of Jackson, MS, David Travis of Aspen, CO; sisters-in-law, Janice Renee Cioka of MD, Bea Phelps of AZ; nephews, Jay and Scott Wainwright of Saint Petersburg, FL, B.J. Davis (Mailin) of Biloxi, MS; Niece, Audrey Israel (Chad) of Baton Rouge, LA; numerous additional nieces and nephews. With such a beautiful soul, she had the gift of making everyone she met feel loved and special. She never met an enemy and never refused an opportunity to open her heart to those in need. A true believer and an “Angel” here on earth, there can never be another one like her. There’s no doubt she has already earned her wings as she flies high to continue her mission to watch over those she so dearly loved. Our hearts are broken, but there’s peace knowing she’s in Heaven continuing to spread her love. It’s not “good-bye”, but rather “see you later”. We will forever love and miss you! A private memorial will be held with family and close friends. Memorial donations in Willie’s name can be made to her favorite charities, “Wounded Warriors”, “St. Jude Children’s hospital”, “Shriners Hospital” and “Paralyzed Veterans”. She loved donating to these charities and did for many years as they meant so much to her. “To know her is to love her. Forever in our hearts, always on our minds. Everyday with her was a blessing. Have a blessed day, mom and Nana. We love you to infinity and beyond.” Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com