Ann Batia

Ann Webb Batia, 89, formerly of Ocean Springs, passed away on April 2, 2025 surrounded by her children whom all loved her dearly. She was brought into this world on January 4, 1936 in the family home located at 901 Iberville Drive in Ocean Springs. As a child, her family moved just around the corner to 1203 Washington Avenue, next to the present day location of Aunt Jenny’s Catfish Restaurant. Both of her childhood homes still stand today and have a very special meaning to all of her family.

She joined her late husband, Donald J. Batia, Sr. in eternal rest after his passing almost 14 years ago in 2011. She was also preceded in death by her parents, John and Lucille Webb; daughter, Sherri Vaughn; brother, Dwain Webb; sisters-in-law, Fay Webb and Ginny Webb; and nephew, Andrew Webb.

She is survived by her brother, Reed Webb (Barbara). In addition, she will be greatly missed by her three surviving children: daughter, Lisa Owen; son, Donald J. Batia, Jr. (Jerri); and son, Greg Batia (Danielle Boudreaux - Fiance). She is also survived by her grandchildren, Matthew Tiblier (Krystal), Trae Broome (Carol Ann), Chad Broome (Janie), Dillon Batia, Lindsey Favors (Jordan), Brady Batia, and Clay Vaughn; and three great-grandchildren, Rosalyn, Cecilia, and Sebastian Tiblier, whom she adored. She will also be greatly missed by her little shadow, her 15 year old Chihuahua, Layla.

She was a 1954 graduate of Ocean Springs High School and was crowned Homecoming Queen and Ms. OSHS before graduating. For years she was a faithful listener to countless OSHS Greyhound football games on the radio but really loved attending the games in person with her sons, even later in life. She never complained of climbing those steep bleachers as long as she could cheer for the Blue and Grey.

She was so full of love and had no issue expressing and showing it. She truly loved and cared for all those that she knew. She was the very best mother and grandmother that anyone could ever hope for. Her daily life revolved around providing for and thinking of others before herself. She truly was the epitome of selflessness.

As a long time member of St. Paul’s Methodist Church on Porter Avenue in Downtown Ocean Springs, she routinely expressed how it held a very special place in her heart. While living in Vancleave, she attended another church due to proximity but was absolutely elated when able to return to Sunday morning services at St. Paul’s the last couple of years of her life.

She was blessed to have many years of great health and lived quite the active lifestyle. She was an amazing cook and would always prepare great meals for her family, especially when her health was at its best. It was hard to turn down second helpings at the Batia house thanks to her cooking skills. We’ve all discovered that her shrimp/okra gumbo and potato salad are very hard to duplicate. Also, her sweet tooth was legendary and she always had a sizeable variety of chocolates at an arms length when her cravings hit. Of course she would always share with anyone visiting and you better take one or she would just keep offering. Her go-to favorites consisted of crab cakes or chicken tenders when sitting down for a meal at many of the local lunch spots.

She rarely sat still for very long, always going places and staying busy. She absolutely cherished her hometown of Ocean Springs and always expressed a desire to “go back home” while residing in Vancleave during the last two decades of her life. Simply taking a ride through town and down the beach was always a treat for her and made her smile big; especially when stopping for a Frappe on the way home.

In her later years, she thoroughly enjoyed meeting up with her close circle of friends each Thursday to play “Mexican Train” dominoes and enjoy lunch. The group calls themselves the “Train Gang” and she loved each and every one of them, especially her life-long best friend, Sue White. She would always look forward to her Thursdays with the Gang and made sure nothing was scheduled on those days. Needed appointments would be scheduled for the other days of the week as Thursdays were always reserved for “Train”.

She loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to the fullest and everyone knew it. She cared for and watched many of her grandchildren during their early years and no doubt spoiled them rotten as much as she could get away with. She truly was an angel on this earth and all who knew her would confirm that. Her family will always cherish the memories and love she shared with them.

The family would like to thank Deaconess HomeCare and Saad Healthcare for the healthcare they have provided during the last few months. Also, a very special thanks to Alicia Morrison for the compassion and care shown while helping our Mom.

A celebration of life for Ann will be held at St. Paul’s Methodist Church Downtown Campus on Porter Avenue on Monday April 7, 2025. The service will begin at 3:00 pm and friends can visit an hour prior to the service time.

Flowers can be sent to St. Paul’s Methodist Church, Ocean Springs, by 9:00 am on Monday, April 7th. Donations, in memory of Ann Webb Batia, can also be made to St. Paul’s Methodist Church.

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Ann Webb Batia.