Gratia Simmons Dresback

Gratia Simmons Dresback, age 90, of Gulfport, passed away on Sunday, November 23, 2025.

Gratia was born on January 11, 1935, in Columbia, MS. The family moved to Magnolia when she was four, to Brookhaven at age eleven, and back to Magnolia when she was fifteen. Gratia claimed Magnolia as her Hometown. The family moved to New Orleans, LA, in 1952, her senior year, and she graduated from McDonough High in 1953. The family later moved to the Gulf Coast where she met and married Verle Dean Dresback.

Gratia embraced life to the fullest until she got sick. She loved people, music, and especially dancing. Gratia joined the Krewe of Gemini in 1975 and remained a member for life. She was Queen Leda in 1989 and reigned over the first Gemini night parade. Gratia joined the American Legion Auxiliary in 1986 and was devoted to the Veterans programs, serving as the VA&R program Chairman for over twenty years. She was most proud of starting the Christmas Gift Shop at the Biloxi VA Hospital after Katrina destroyed the Gulfport Hospital. Gratia was chosen Unit Member of the Year for Unit 119 in 1997and was chosen as the Unit Member of the Year for the State of Mississippi that year and went to the National Convention to represent Mississippi. She was also chosen to be Queen Liberte for the Mardi Gras Ball that same year. Gratia became a member of the B.P.O.E. Lodge 978 in 1997 and was chosen to be Queen Fidelity in 2005.

Gratia loved Mardi Gras, especially the costumes, the Balls, and the camaraderie. She was the Ball Captain for the Krewe of Gemini five times, the Legion Auxiliary five times, and the Elks Lodge #978 once. She loved every minute of it. Gratia did not like to fly but loved cruises. She went on a total of thirteen cruises.

Gratia was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Verle Dean Dresback; parents, Thomas Bowers Simmons and Mamie Lucille Jones Simmons; and brother, Lyman Jerrell “Jerry” Simmons.

She is survived by her two sons, Kelly Dresback (Glenda) and Kevin Dresback; two granddaughters; and two great-granddaughters.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Greg Sullivan and Lexi at Hearts & Home. Gratia loved it there and your staff took such good care of her.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. on Friday, November 28, 2025, at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 1726 15th Street, Gulfport. A graveside service will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Southern Memorial Park. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport is honored to serve the family of Gratia Simmons Dresback.