Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes

12/28/2025

Stanley Shaw Owen

Stanley Shaw Owen, age 83, of Ocean Springs MS, passed away at home on December 27, 2025.

Stanley was born on June 19, 1942, in Vicksburg, MS, to Stan and Louise Owen. He grew up in Fayette, MS, and went to Mississippi State University, where he earned a bachelors degree. While at Mississippi State, he participated in Air Force ROTC and was commissioned into the United States Air Force in 1965.

Stanley proudly served his country in the Air Force for 20 years. He thoroughly enjoyed his Air Force career, and his family shared in that experience. During his service, he earned a degree in Electrical Engineering from the AF Institute of Technology, in Dayton OH, from 1972 to 1974. The following six years were spent overseas, during which time the Owen family traveled extensively and created lasting memories.

After retiring from the Air Force, Stan and his family settled in Ocean Springs, MS. He continued his professional career at Ingalls Shipbuilding, where he worked for 18 years before retiring in 2003.

Stanley had a strong work ethic and wanted to do things the right way, which was reflected in his work. He was also passionate about supporting his grandchildren in their endeavors, hence his attendance at ballparks in summer heat and freezing cold, or traveling long distances to see them perform. Finally, he was a gamer, playing Dungeons and Dragons for some forty years. His fellow players were his buddies and he enjoyed their company.

He is survived by his wife, Juanita Owen, of Ocean Springs; his son, Jim' daughter-in-law, Lori Rudolph Owen, his grandchildren, Cole and Olivia; and his daughter, Joanna, son-in-law, Dennis Watkins, and his grandchildren, Corey and Gavin.

Visitation will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Ocean Springs, on Saturday, January 3, 2025, from 10:00 am until 11:30 am. Interment will be in the memorial garden at St John’s at 11:30 am.

In lieu of flowers, please plant a tree in his honor at the website on the Bradford O’Keefe website.

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Stanley Shaw Owen.

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12/27/2025

Steven Phillip J. Chism

Steven Phillip J. Chism, 38 of Vancleave, MS passed away on Thursday, December 25, 2025.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, Vancleave, MS. Friends may visit one hour prior. Burial will follow at Vancleave #1 Cemetery.

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Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family of Steven Chism.

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12/27/2025

Annette King

Ethel Annette King, 88 of Vancleave, MS passed away on Wednesday, December 24, 2025.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Monday, December 29, 2025 at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, Vancleave, MS. Friends may visit one hour prior. Burial will follow at Vancleave #1 Cemetery.

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Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family of Ethel Annette King.

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12/27/2025

Bruce Lee Johnson

Bruce Lee Johnson, 62 of Ocean Springs, MS passed away on Friday, December 26. 2025.

A funeral service will be held at 11:30am on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, Howard Ave., Biloxi, MS. Friends may visit from 10:00am until service time. Burial will follow at Crestlawn Memorial Park.

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Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family of Bruce Lee Johnson.

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12/26/2025

Sarah Arnette Cowart

Mrs. Sarah Arnette Cowart, age 94, of Ocean Springs, MS, passed away on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, in Ocean Springs.

Sarah was born on January 28, 1931, in Royce, MS and had resided on the coast since 1982. She was employed for forty plus years at Swingsters in Ocean Springs. She enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Sarah was preceded in death by her husband, Norman Cowart, great-grandson, Tanner Cowart, parents, Clarence and Nancy Merrill, five sisters and three brothers.

Survivors include a daughter, Nancy Cowart, sister, Darnell Hill, one brother, Wayne Merrill, two grandchildren, Tiffany and Michelle Cowart and four great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be on Sunday, December 28, 2025, from 5pm – 7pm, at the Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home.

On Monday, December 29, 2025, there will be a 1 pm chapel service in the funeral home. Burial will follow in Pipkin Cemetery in Avant, MS.

Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family of Sarah Arnette Cowart.

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12/26/2025

Patricia Jane Wieck Shoemaker

Patricia Jane Wieck Shoemaker, 86, of D’Iberville, MS passed away on Thursday, December 25, 2025 in Ocean Springs.

Mrs. Shoemaker was born in Muskegon, MI and later moved to the coast with her family. She attended elementary school at Fernwood Elementary and graduated from Biloxi High School in 1957 as Class Valedictorian. Mrs. Shoemaker was employed at D’Iberville High School as a cafeteria manager for many years. She enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping in her spare time. Mrs. Shoemaker enjoyed assisting and working with handicapped children in many activities including bowling, square dancing and summer camps. She was a longtime member of Temple Baptist Church in Biloxi.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Burton Shoemaker; her son, Randy B. Shoemaker; her parents, Wilson Lyle and Rose Beauchamp Wieck; her sisters, Joyce O’Dell, Cecile Bakker, Shirley Bakker and Louise Carron; and her brothers, Glen D. Wieck and Lyle Wieck.

Mrs. Shoemaker’s survivors include her son, Matthew (Dodie) Shoemaker; her sisters, Janet (Orey) Krohn and Connie Robbins; her brothers, Thomas (Sheila) Wieck and Jerry “Tuffy” (Janice) Wieck; and her grandson, Matthew Shoemaker, Jr.

The family would like to offer many thanks to the Gulfport Care Center, the Blake and especially Liz at Southern Magnolia Manor.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home on Howard Avenue in Biloxi. Friends may visit from 10:00 am until service time. Interment will follow at Biloxi City Cemetery.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Patricia Jane Wieck Shoemaker.

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12/26/2025

Stace Lee Triebwasser

Stace Lee Triebwasser, age 54, of Pascagoula, MS passed away at singing River hospital, Pascagoula on December 22, 2025.

Born to Lawrence and Mary Triebwasser in Bismark, North Dakota on April 12,1971. After finishing school in McClusky, ND, Stace joined the U.S. Navy where he served his country with honor until 2015. In 2015, Stace moved to Pascagoula and began working at Ingalls Shipyard.

Stace enjoyed studying the word of the Lord. He also enjoyed working on trucks and doing anything automotive.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary M. Triebwasser.

Stace is survived by his father, Lawrence Triebwasser; his spouse, Paige Boyce Triebwasser; his sister, Tamare Morgan(henry), his beloved pets, Moses and Faith, and many loved nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Monday, December 29, 2025, at the Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home in Ocean Springs.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM on December 30, 2025, at the Biloxi National Cemetery.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is proud to serve the family of Stace Lee Triebwasser.

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12/26/2025

Carolyn Virginia Clayton

Carolyn Virginia “Ginger” Clayton, née Eakes, age 80, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2025, in Gulfport, Mississippi, the place she proudly called home.

Ginger was born on December 7, 1945, in Meridian, Mississippi, to Thomas Clifton Eakes and Virginia Irby. She was raised in Meridian, where she spent her childhood and young adult years. She attended Clarkdale High School and later Meridian Community College.

Ginger devoted her life to her family as a homemaker and took the greatest pride in her roles as a wife and mother. She was married to James Royal Clayton Sr., who preceded her in death. Together they raised two sons, James Royal Clayton Jr. (Tracy) and Robert Jason Clayton (Raegan).

She was the proud grandmother of Kristian Clayton, her grandson, and of Christina Clayton, Elizabeth Clayton, Natalie Clayton, and Mayrin Clayton, her granddaughters. She was preceded in death by her grandson Gregory Clayton. She is also survived by her great-granddaughter, Harmony Elizabeth Clayton.

Ginger was preceded in death by her siblings Margaret Baker and Glenn Eakes. She is survived by her brother Grover Eakes.

Ginger was kind, genuine, and truly salt of the earth. Though she grew up poor, she never saw herself that way. She always believed she was rich in the ways that mattered most. She needed little, wanted little, and found contentment in family, faith, and simple joys.

She was a devoted mother who always met the needs of her children and her husband, often placing others before herself. She was funny, easygoing, and deeply caring. Ginger loved to draw and paint, creating art quietly for herself and her family. She cherished Christian gospel music, singing and playing the piano, and filled her home with music and praise. Her faith in the Lord guided her life.

Ginger had a gentle way about her. She spoke to everyone, whether she knew them or not, asking about their day or offering a kind word. Those who knew her will remember her as a loyal friend and a gentle soul whose quiet goodness left a lasting impression.

Services will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, O’Neal Road, Gulfport, Mississippi. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with services immediately following. Burial will take place at Coalville Cemetery in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the family she loved so deeply.

Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home, O'Neal Road, Gulfport, is honored to serve the family of Carolyn Virginia Clayton.

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12/25/2025

12/24/2025

Robert Wayne Stewart

Robert Wayne Stewart, 75, passed away at his home in Gautier, Mississippi, on November 6, 2025.

He was born June 7, 1950, and grew up in Columbia, Mississippi, before eventually settling in Gautier as an adult. Robert lived a simple, easygoing life and enjoyed the things that made him happiest—being outside, soaking up the fresh air, and spending time with the people he cared about. Every morning, he liked to sit outside and feed the squirrels, a small routine that brought him a lot of joy. Saturdays were his favorite days, usually spent around the table in his front yard, catching up with friends and barbequing. He was a sergeant in the U.S. Air Force and served time in Vietnam. Robert carried himself with quiet strength, and anyone who knew him would say he had one of the biggest hearts around. He never hesitated to help anyone, no matter what they needed.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Benny Stewart and Patricia Ann Stewart; and his brothers, Joseph Stewart and Steve Stewart.

He is survived by his daughter, Patricia Celess Stewart of Ocean Springs; his sister, Barbara Ann Stewart of Columbia; and his brother, George Stewart of Columbia.

A service to celebrate Robert’s life will be held at 2 pm on Monday, December 29, 2025 at Woodlawn Cemetery in Columbia, Mississippi.

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Robert Wayne Stewart

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12/24/2025

Louis August Tremmel, Jr.

Louis August Tremmel, Jr., 93, of Ocean Springs, MS passed away Saturday, December 20, 2025. He was born June 29, 1932 to Louis A. Tremmel, Sr. and Margaret Roberts Tremmel.

Louis was a lifelong resident of the Gulf Coast. He was a US Army veteran, having served in Germany. Louis graduated with a master’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. After graduation, he began his career as an educator working at St. Martin High School, the Gulfport School System and MS Gulf Coast Community College. Louis found joy in being a lifelong member of the Les Pierrot Carnival Association.

He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Margaret Peresich, and great grandson, Michael Damion Hale-Unger.

He will be missed by his daughter, Bonnie (Jimmy) Sharp; grandsons, Michael Jason Unger and Johnathon Raymond Sharp; step granddaughter, Nicole (Bobby) Barksdale; sisters, Sarah (Marion) Pitalo and Mary Ott Tremmel Davidson; brother, Burt (Ira Fay) Tremmel; and numerous nieces, nephews, and step grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 1:30 pm on Monday, December 29, 2025 at the Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home. Friends are invited to visit one hour prior. Interment will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Louis August Tremmel, Jr.

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12/22/2025

Chief Master Sergeant James E. Brand

Chief Master Sergeant James E. Brand is Chief Recruiting Operations Directorate, Headquarters Tenth Air Force, Bergstrom Air Force Base, Texas.

Chief Brand was born on July 16, 1933, in Montpelier, Mississippi. He graduated from Aberdeen High School, Aberdeen, MS, where he excelled in Basketball and Football as a three year letterman.

After completing high school, he joined the Air Force. Upon completion of basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX, Chief Brand began technical training at Lowry AFB, CO as an aerial photographer. After graduation in May, 1954, he was assigned to the 1370th Photo Mapping Group, Palm Beach AFB, Fl, from where he was sent on temporary duty assignments throughout the world to perform precision mapping duties for Army Map Service.

In October, 1961, Chief Brand left the military and returned to civilian life, whereupon he held various positions for 13 years before returning to the military as a reservist in 1974. In April, 1980, he had the opportunity to join the Air Force Reserve Recruiting Program. Upon completion of recruiting school, he was assigned to Minot AFB, ND as an in-service recruiter. In June, 1982, he received an assignment to Little Rock AFB, AR, as an in-service recruiter. In June, 1984, he was selected to be the senior recruiter for the 926th Tactical Fighter Group, Naval Air Station, New Orleans, LA, where he remained for 4 years, bringing the manning up from 82% to over 100%. In November, 1988, he was selected to be NCOIC of Training for the 2610th Reserve Recruiting Squadron, Bergstrom AFB, TX, staying in that position for only 4 months before moving into the job of Operations NCO. He assumed duties in December, 1990.

Chief Brand’s decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal (1 Oak Leaf Cluster), Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal (1 Oak Leaf Cluster), Armed Services Reserve Medal, and he received numerous awards as a recruiter and as a senior recruiter.

He was promoted to Chief Master Sergeant in January, 1991.

Chief Brand has been married for the past 69 years to the former Patricia Lewis o Lake Worth, FL. They have three sons, Philip of Star Valley Ranch, WY, Mark of Lantana, FL and Scott of Ocean Springs, MS.

Chief Brand and Pat retired in Ocean Springs, MS.

On Friday, December 26, 2025, there will be a 9 am graveside service at Biloxi National Cemetery.

Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family of Chief Master Sergeant James E. Brand.

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