Joy Barhanovich Tucei

A true queen of Mardi Gras took her final bow this year, with the peaceful passing of Joy Barhanovich Tucei, 77, of Biloxi on Fat Tuesday, March 4, 2025, following a four-year battle with dementia.

Born October 5, 1947, to Steve “Gramps” and Eula Seymour Barhanovich of Biloxi, Joy’s lifelong love for the carnival season began at an early age. She graduated from Biloxi High School in 1965, where she was a proud member of the Indian Band and Dixie Debs Club. An active officer in Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, Joy attended the University of Mississippi and earned a bachelor of arts degree in English in 1969 and a master of arts degree in education in 1971.

Known for her vibrant personality, intelligence, tenacity, and grit, Joy began her career teaching at Biloxi High School and later taught in Delhi, Louisiana. She soon found that the field of real estate was a natural fit for her, and when she returned to Biloxi in 1984, she began a career that included time as a top-producing agent and trainer at Century 21 Joachim Realty, Prudential Bailey Real Estate, and Coldwell Banker Alfonso Realty. The recipient of numerous professional awards throughout her 35 year career, Joy was sought by many in the field as a trusted mentor and a source of expertise.

A loving and dedicated mother, family was truly her greatest love, and the close bond she shared with her daughter Meredith touched everyone who was blessed to see them together. She relished her role as a grandmother to all of her grandchildren and was an enthusiastic fixture at their dance recitals, vocal performances, volleyball games, football games and baseball tournaments. Joy absolutely adored her grandchildren.

A true lady in every sense of the word, Joy was generous with her time and her talents, particularly to those causes closest to her heart: animals, children, and, of course, Mardi Gras. She spent many years on the executive board of both the Humane Society of South Mississippi and CASA. A 56-year member of the Order of Billikins, she reigned as queen in 1981 for the ball themed “Parade of Holidays.” She and husband Bob were devoted members of The Revelers and served on the royal court in 2012. In 2018, Joy reigned as Queen of Revelers for her son-in-law, Captain Gregg Descher, and her daughter, Meredith.

Joy was truly a queen in all our hearts, and the legacy of this lovely lady will be cherished by all who knew her.

Joy is preceded in death by her parents, Steve “Gramps” and Eula Seymour Barhanovich; in-laws, Walker and Irene Tucei; and son-in-law, Burt Tremmel Jr.

She is survived by her husband, Robert “Bob” Mark Tucei; daughters, Meredith Cash Descher (Gregg), Shannon Tucei Abraham (William), and Renee Tucei Warner (Heathe); grandchildren, Kate, Mary Carlton, and Caffrey Descher, Augie Tremmel, Sophia, Lucie, and Newman Abraham, Alex, Holly, and Colston Warner; niece, Wendy Fayard; nephew, David Fayard (Diana); and numerous cousins, great nieces and great nephews..

The family would like to express their sincerest gratitude to Joy’s loving caregivers of Your Choice Senior Care—Heather Plauche, Crystal Pickett, Imani Willis, and Aaliyah Willis—as well as owner Seth Jones, for their unwavering love and dedication to our queen over the last three years. They would also like to thank Deaconess Home Health and Hospice for their compassion and professionalism while caring for Joy.

Visitation for Joy will be held Monday, March 10, from 9:30 until 11 a.m. at Nativity Catholic Church, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Southern Memorial Park with a reception at Sacred Heart Center immediately following. Memorial donations may be made in Joy’s honor to the Humane Society of South Mississippi. 

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Joy Barhanovich Tucei.