Avanelle Turan Besse

Avanelle Turan Besse, age 97 went home to be with her Lord in Heaven on Monday, November 5, 2012 Avanelle was born on May 19, 1915 in Woolmarket to Grace Curry Turan and James Monroe Turan. She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Robby Besse; sister, Irene Manuel and a brother, J.L. Turan. Avanelle is survived by her two daughters, Lydia Temple (Curt) of Long Beach, and Micki Barnhill (Rick) of Madison; a brother, Raymond Turan of Gulfport. She is also survived by the great joys of her life, eight grandchildren: Gina Sharpton of Gautier; Michele Gibbs of Gulfport;Tom Titus (Tammy) of Gulfport; Cari Bennett (Jody) of Plano, TX; Bubba Besse (Angel) of Hammond, LA; Becky Besse of Mandeville, LA; Melinda Besse of Slidell, LA; and Elise Perrett of Gulfport; ten great-grandchildren; three great great-grandchildren; and wonderful cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Avanelle graduated from Woolmarket High School in 1934 where she was a proud member of the girls’ basketball team. All of her sixteen classmates have preceded her in death. After graduating she married Raoul Besse, Jr. who was in the jewelry business with his father in Biloxi. A few years later they moved to Gulfport where he started his own jewelry business and they began their family. Avanelle was a lifelong resident of the Gulf Coast and never liked being far away from home. Her greatest joy was being a mother and homemaker. She was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church of Gulfport for over 70 years. She loved her “Wesley Searchers” Sunday School Class and the United Methodist Women where she served in many capacities throughout the years. She donated her talent of floral design making arrangements for all occasions at church and kept fresh flowers in her home at all times. She had a natural talent with floral design but learned even more where she worked many years and retired at the age of 79 at Adam’s Florist. Avanelle will be remembered as a woman of Christian faith and values, loyalty and unfailing love for her family, friends, church and country. She was truly a child of God and a great lady who quietly gave so much of herself to others never asking or expecting anything in return. Devotion to her family, her honesty and love will never be forgotten. We have been blessed by God granting her a long life. She had southern charm and strength and her zest for life was contagious. She was an avid gardener and enjoyed spending her time outdoors watering and nurturing all the flowers and plants around her. Walking along the beach looking at the blue water and white sand made her day. Our family wishes to thank the staff at Lakeview Nursing Center for the tender care she received her last years on earth. She is resting now with her Lord and Savior. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 2301 15th Street, Gulfport, MS 39501. The funeral service will be Thursday, November 8, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport where friends may visit beginning at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens, Gulfport. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com