Joan Benigno French Waits

Joan Benigno French Waits, age 91, of Gulfport, passed away peacefully in Ocean Springs on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Joan was born in Pass Christian on April 21, 1935, to Joseph and Anna Benigno. She graduated from Pass Christian High School and attended Mississippi Southern College where she was a Southern Belle. Joan was a member of the Beta Sigma Sorority, Sigma Chapter of which she was elected Valentine Queen of 1957. That same year, she was elected Gulfport’s Miss Hospitality. Joan was later an employee of Hancock Bank but will always be remembered by most from her years behind the counter at French Drug Company in Gulfport, working side by side for nearly 40 years with her husband, Ed French.

Joan was a loving mother and grandmother, adored by her 3 children, 3 grandsons, and 6 great-grandchildren.

Joan was preceded in death by her husband, George Edward “Ed” French, Sr.; son, Stephen F. French; parents, Joseph and Anna Benigno; sister, Patricia Harper; brother, Stanley Benigno; and her second husband, Donald Waits.

She is survived by her son, George Edward French, Jr. (Ashley); daughter, Robin French Small (Bruce); brothers, Joseph “Buddy” Benigno and Jimmy Benigno; 3 grandsons, Brent French (Paula), Danny French (Mae), and Colin Clements (Chelsea). She also leaves behind 6 beautiful great-grandchildren, Adelaide and George French, Hal and Margot French, and Charlie and Watson Clements.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Lighthouse Memory Care, Ms. B at Catherine House, and Alexis with Enhabit Hospice Care.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 5, 2026, at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens in Gulfport.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport, is honored to serve the family of Joan Benigno French Waits.