Cover photo for Rosemary Gatlin Reed's Obituary
Rosemary Gatlin Reed Profile Photo

Rosemary Gatlin Reed

January 20, 1929 — January 6, 2012

Rosemary Gatlin Reed

Mrs. Rosemary Gatlin Reed, of Vancleave, was born January 20, 1929. A revered wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, she made her transition from this life Friday, January 6, 2012 at Ocean Springs Hospital at the age of 82. She was preceded in death by her parents; Macy Gatlin in 1983 and Booker T. Gatlin at the age of 105 in 2009; her brother LC, who died at an early age; and an adopted sister, Claudia Williams in 1986. Mrs. Reed�s inspiration, memory, and faith walk will remain in the hearts of her husband of more than 57 years, Albert Reed Jr., of Vancleave; one daughter, Marie Mitchell Dunn of Snellville, GA; two sons, Anthony (Earline) Mitchell Sr. of Biloxi, and William Mitchell of Parchman, MS; one stepson Sydney Reed, Gulfport; one stepdaughter, Susie Reed of Ocean Springs; one adopted daughter, Dr. Gwendolyn Catchings of Indianola, MS; three grandsons, Jacques Mitchell and Anthony Mitchell Jr. of Europe, and Maury Dunn of Covington, GA; a step grandson Detrick Jenkins of Ocean Springs; three granddaughters, Elana (James) Winfrey of Snellville, GA, CWO3 (U.S. Army) Gerolyn Mitchell of Springfield, IL, and Anjanette Malone of Biloxi; two step granddaughters, Bronjelyn Newman who is employed overseas, and Danyel Hillian of Philadelphia, PA; a former son-in-law, Elmer Dunn of Conyers, GA. She will also be missed by her 16 great grandchildren, beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Mrs. Reed had been a resident of the Mississippi Gulf Coast since her late teens. Her early education was in Prentiss and Jackson, MS. When her family transferred to the Coast, she completed high school at Our Mother of Sorrows Catholic School. After high school, she gained employment as one of the first African-American hairstylists in a Caucasian salon on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the House of Beauty on Porter Avenue in Biloxi. Eventually, she owned her own salon. She later followed her heart to work in medical care. She spent several years at the VA Hospital in Gulfport. In her mid-forties, Mrs. Reed answered the call of her lifetime dream of nursing. She became a licensed practical nurse which led to various duties in the medical field beginning at Singing River Hospital, Ocean Springs Hospital, and the office of Dr. Heitzman. She retired at the age of 62. Always one to keep busy, after retirement, she volunteered in the gift shop at Ocean Springs Hospital; where she served as President of the Auxiliary. Sister Reed was a lady who believed that a personal relationship with Christ is the �Only� path to a blessed life; a life of intention to her family, church, and community. Her unconditional service began at Main Street Baptist and then to First Missionary Baptist Church as an usher. Good Hope Baptist Church was her spiritual house. As �Sister Reed�, �Deaconess Reed� and �Ms Rosemary�, she fulfilled various roles; 50 years as Sunday school teacher, usher, choir member, speechwriter, speaker, Home Mission, and Eastern Star. She loved to write and deliver inspirational speeches for womens' programs. Mrs. Reed loved to be up to date on everything such as fashion, wearing the latest hat, traveling, and using the computer. If it was �out there� she either had it or knew something about it. Mrs. Reed was also a superb cook. The Senior Center in Ocean Springs was the agency where she learned to create many beautiful handmade ceramic pieces. It made her proud when something her hands had made was consumed or displayed by her family and community. A wake will be held Friday, January 13, 2012 from 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM at Richmond-August Funeral Home located at 189 Main Street in Biloxi. The Celebration of Life service will be Saturday at 11:00 AM at First Missionary Baptist Church in Biloxi. Those unable to attend may view the service live at www.RichmondAugustFH.com. Interment and repast will be held at Good Hope Baptist Church and Cemetery. The family has entrusted the care of their loved one to the professional staff of RICHMOND-AUGUST FUNERAL HOME.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Rosemary Gatlin Reed, please visit our flower store.

Past Services

Wake

Friday, January 13, 2012

5:30 - 7:30 pm (Central time)

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Visitation

Saturday, January 14, 2012

10:00 - 11:00 am (Central time)

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Celebration of Life

Saturday, January 14, 2012

11:00am - 12:00 pm (Central time)

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Guestbook

Visits: 5

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Send Flowers

Send Flowers

Plant A Tree

Plant A Tree