The remaining half of the duo known as the “Dancing Punzos,” died at the age of 99.
Enola A. Punzo had a very full life. She was born and raised in New Orleans, LA. She married the love of her life at the age of seventeen, and this marriage lasted 62 years until her husband Henry died.
Enola with her husband and three children, moved to Biloxi over 50 years ago. There, she worked for many years at Werlein’s Music Store in Edgewater Mall, with her husband who was the store’s manager. She and her husband became famous along the Coast as the “Dancing Punzos.” Most people thought they had years of training and appeared on stage professionally… not so. They were self-taught, loved to dance and loved to entertain. Enola, a talented seamstress, made all their costumes. They danced at many venues across the Gulf Coast and two continents. Enola and her husband enjoyed many Caribbean and Atlantic Cruises, as well as two trips to Europe, visiting ten countries. From Enola to everyone everywhere – “Take Someone You Love Dancing!”
She is preceded in death by her husband, Henry A. Punzo; sister, Violet Lauga and brother, Philip “Buddy” Hountha, both of New Orleans.
She is survived by her children, Elaine Vergunst Edson of Gautier, MS; Charles N. Punzo and wife, Diane; and Henry P. Punzo, all of Biloxi, MS; eight grandchildren, Daniel Vergunst and wife Martha, Leonard Vergunst, Troy Punzo and wife Peggy, Paul Punzo and wife Kim, Charles A. Punzo and wife Diana, and Marie Punzo, all of the MS Gulf Coast; Deborah Mayer and husband Douglas of Stafford, VA; Brandy Punzo of Tampa, FL; and also seven great grandchildren; and her longtime loving companion, Robert Odom.
In lieu of flowers the family prefers donations to be made to the Biloxi Lions Club, Sight Conservation, P.O. Box 196, Biloxi, MS 39533.
Visitation will be held at the Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Monday, September 29, 2014. A graveside service will follow at 1:30 p.m. at Biloxi National Cemetery.