Mable Virginia Gollott

Mable Virginia Gollott of Biloxi died peacefully at Ocean Springs Hospital with family at her bedside on November 30, 2015. She was 93 years old. Mable is survived by her children, Richard (Shirley) Gollott, David (Judy) Gollott, Douglas (Peggy) Gollott, and Kathy (Robert) Brooks; her brothers, Reverend Samuel Balius (Mona) and Reverend Gerald Balius; nine grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Opal Balius; three brothers, Jimmy, Danny and Bobby Balius; and her sister Frances Cody. She is also survived by a dear friend of many years, Marie Myers. Mable was born in Gulfport on October 27, 1922 to Ernest and Opal Balius. The daughter of a baker, Mable carried with her a lifelong love of food, music, and family. As a child she inherited a love of cooking while helping her father bake and decorate cakes in the family bakery. Though her primary occupation in life was that of mother and homemaker, she held numerous interests and jobs throughout her life. Mable never met a stranger and that love of people led her to work as a home health aide for many years. She found joy in helping others and volunteered for 10 years and more than 2,300 hours in the VA Voluntary Service Program. Mable always enjoyed travel and later in life she found new excitement embarking on several cruises with her brothers and niece. A woman of profound Christian faith, Mable was a longtime member of Northside Assembly of God in Biloxi. She loved gospel music and would gladly listen to any song or concert performed by the Gaithers. A Sunday school teacher for many years, Mable spoke openly of her salvation and was a witness to many people in her lifetime. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 PM on Friday, December 4, 2015 at Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home, Howard Avenue, Biloxi and 9 to 10 AM on Saturday, December 5 at Northside Assembly of God in north Biloxi. A funeral service will be held immediately following visitation with Pastor Jeff Filmore officiating. Burial will follow in Biloxi City Cemetery. Mable’s family wishes to give special thanks to the doctors and nurses at Southern Mississippi Heart Center and New Wave Internal Medicine. The family would also like to thank the physicians, nurses, and staff at The Gardens Assisted Living, Greenbriar Nursing Facility, and Ocean Springs Hospital 2 West. Your compassionate care for Mable will never be forgotten. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial gifts in Mable’s honor be given to: The Lord Is My Help (Food Pantry and Meal Distribution), PO Box 1544, Ocean Springs, MS 39566