Shirley Ann Desporte

Shirley Redding Desporte, a devout Catholic and a devout Biloxian, quietly slipped from the loving embrace of family and friends at home into the comforting arms of her heavenly Father Saturday, April 30th. She was 81. Shirley, the matriarch of the Desporte Seafood lineage, delayed her eternal rewards long enough to squeeze from her active life the final moments of family bonding that assured the peaceful transition for which she prayed. She leaves behind a family and community saddened by her departure, but grateful for, and emboldened by the example she set of a woman whose life was dedicated to providing for others as a child, a sister, a wife, a mother, a grandmother and a friend. Her sincerity was ever obvious and her manifest love of family and city was a model for all Biloxians to follow. Her gracious greetings and quick smile will be missed by all the customers of Desporte & Sons Seafood, and the family and friends with whom she regularly came into contact. She also will be remembered for long enduring the maniacal humor of her playful husband Junior and rascally son, Junie. Shirley and Junior, who would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this year, were inseparable in marriage and business. Their love kept them close to each other at every opportunity, from bowling and golf to family cookouts to casinos and church. They partnered to continue the successful tradition of Desporte & Sons Seafood and passed along to their children an enduring service and commitment to community. Shirley was born in Biloxi August 14, 1929 to Osborn Redding and Artemese Demourelle. She was a loving sister to Marlene Gillich and grew up enjoying the recreational and entertainment opportunities offered in the hometown of which she was so proud. She found her stride and her purpose in life upon marrying Junior, with whom she shared almost six and one-half decades of love and support. She was predeceased by her parents, son Emile “Junie” Desporte III, and grandson Emile L. “Lil Junie” Desporte IV. She is survived by her husband Emile Louis “Junior” Desporte Jr.; her children Artie W. Desporte (Christine) and Julie Desporte Kessen (Andy); her grandchildren Angel Desporte Harrelson (Stacy), Sean Louis Desporte and Dylan Wayne Kessen; her great-grandchildren Colby Paige Harrelson and Adalie Claire Desporte; and her daughter-in-law Angie Desporte. She also is survived by several nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting that donations be made to the Junie Desporte Life Foundation Fund, P. O. Box 185, Biloxi, MS 39533. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, May 4, 2011, at 2 p.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church where friends may visit from 12 noon until service time. Entombment will follow in Southern Memorial Park. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, Howard Avenue, in Biloxi is in charge of arrangements.