Mary Louise Hornsby

Mary Louise Upton Hornsby, age 97, passed away peacefully at her residence in Gulfport, Mississippi, surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, June 21, 2026. She was born on May 1, 1929, in Lafayette, Louisiana, and was a lifelong resident of Biloxi, Mississippi.

Mary lived a long and fulfilling life centered around family, hard work, and the simple joys she loved most. She began her career as a beautician in 1969 and worked at several well-known Biloxi salons, including The Fountain Salon, Hammond’s Beauty Salon, Her Majesty’s, and Seashore Manor Methodist Retirement Home. She earned her lifetime cosmetology license and continued serving her clients until retiring at the age of 86. Throughout her career, she built lasting friendships and touched the lives of many.

Mary enjoyed ceramics, crossword puzzles, creating fancy modified vans, boating and casino’s in the 70’s with her husband and dining out. She was an avid fan of Wheel of Fortune and enjoyed watching football and golf. Above all, she cherished spending time with her family and creating memories with those she loved.

She is survived by her children, Sandra (Rickey) Annette Upton Chapman, Phil (Martha) Michael Upton, and Craig Barton Upton; and her stepson, Edward (Beanie) Hornsby. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Crystal (Joey) Matta, Shelby (Hunter) Wyrick, Brandy Espada, and David (Lissette) Williams; and her step-grandchildren, Edward (Mandy) Hornsby, Robert (Brenna) Hornsby, Cody (Jessica) Hornsby, April Powers and Julie Hornsby. Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren, Brennan and Tatum Matta; Riley and Blakelyn Wyrick; Jazmin (John) and Hailey Espada; and David and Jason Williams; as well as her step-great-grandchildren, Ava and Nolan Hornsby; Nathan Hornsby; and Kaleigh, Tyler, Aiden, and Joshua Powers.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Andrew Edward Hornsby; her daughter, Lisa (Sam) Carol Upton Sinqfield; her stepson, Andrew (Maricella) Hornsby; her great-grandson, Myles Matta; her parents, Earston and Willie May Tullos Brock; her brother, Wilburn (Elaine) Brock; and her sister, Ruth (Pete) Brock McDuffee.

Mary will be remembered for her independent spirit, her love of family, and the warmth she shared with everyone she met. She leaves behind a lifetime of cherished memories and a legacy of love that will continue through the generations she helped shape.

Her family finds comfort in knowing that her life was well lived, her love was deeply felt, and her memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

A funeral service will be held at 11:30 am on Friday, June 26, 2026 at the Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home. Friends are invited to visit one hour prior. Interment will follow at 12:30 pm at Biloxi National Cemetery.

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mary Louise Upton Hornsby.