Delores Sablich Barras

Delores Sablich Barras, a native and lifelong resident of Biloxi, a dear friend, loving mother, grandmother and sister, journeyed to her heavenly rest and eternal home on Friday, February 9, 2024 at the age of 93.

Born November 10, 1930, in the growing up era where family, heritage and faith were valued, she was the youngest of 4 children, born to the late George Stephen Sablich and Irma Augusta Williams. Delores was a devoted Catholic and a lifelong parishioner of Nativity BVM Catholic Church where she was a member of the Ladies Altar Society, a reader at mass, active in parish functions, as well as a daily attendee at morning mass at 90 years old – amazing; 90 years loved. 

Delores was educated by the beloved Sisters of Mercy who were dedicated to providing a quality education and foundation for a strong Catholic faith, graduating from Sacred Heart Academy in 1948.  She loved and respected her Catholic faith and education of which she drew great comfort during her lifetime. Delores held a special reverence for Our Blessed Mother and the many saints in the Catholic Church through special novenas. In the words of St. Padre Pio – “Pray, hope and don’t worry”.

In 1993, Delores retired from the Department of the Air Force, Federal Civil Service at Keesler Air Force Base, after 38 years of service. Dedicated and highly proficient in her secretarial profession, she was a recipient of several awards for outstanding performance. Among presentations at the retirement ceremony, was a memoir of the American Flag etched with her name and years of service, the American Flag that was flown daily at the Keesler NCO Academy, where she served as Secretary to the Academy Commandant. During her service at Keesler, the Base Commander honored and dedicated the Sablich Center in memory of Juno Sablich, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Julius Sablich, Jr. who lost his life while serving his country in World War II.

After retirement, Delores volunteered assistance at a neighborhood church she attended from early childhood for several years with the Rev. Peter Quinn, Pastor of Our Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church, the second oldest church in Biloxi. She was a longtime monetary supporter to Saltillo Missions in Mexico, Mother Angelica’s EWTN in Alabama and St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Delores was the oldest of two living Slavic descendants of Biloxi’s fifth oldest families - Julius, Sr. and Alphonsine Sablich, developers and owners in local businesses. She was the only living descendant of Biloxi’s sixth oldest families – Carroll J., Sr. and Anna Cox Williams; eldest sons, Elmer and Peck Williams, owners of DeJeans, were significant contributors in Biloxi recognized as the Seafood Capitol of the World.

Delores was an active member in several Mardi Gras organizations, a member of the Senior Citizens at St. Michael Center and an active member in the Slavonian Ladies Auxiliary. She was also a member of the Golden Age Social Club, enjoying several out of town trips and a five day cruise. Delores and her late husband of 50 years, among family and friends, were captivated with great jazz and blues musicians. The 1940 – 50 generation era became the number one dance music and recognized the dancing legacy of “Black Bottom” – the best all-around dancer; the top dancers in style and rhythm of the Barras’ – not to mention the cost of gas at 25 cents a gallon. You could always find these music lovers gathered at the regular Sunday jam session – “passing a good time.”

Known as “Aunt Doe” to her family, Delores had a deep passion for gardening and flowers and a humane love for animals. Her growing up years in the 40’s, in her beloved town of Biloxi, were cherished with simple, unencumbered happy times and only a place like Old Biloxi that lives only in such memories. A simple life, a good life, a gift from God, Delores carried with her the memories of a much different generation.

Reaching out to the less fortunate than she was, a strong point in her Christian values and belief, “Whatever you do to the least of my brethren, you also do unto me.”

Delores’ family was her top priority, more devoutly during the years as caretaker for her husband. She was a loving wife and mother and a faithful grandmother who always went above and beyond. Delores was a caring and devoted daughter, blessed with the guidance of a devout Christian mother, a faith-filled woman in humility, love and compassion, who was a strong hold in her life as well as her siblings. “My Mother – My Saint”.

Delores Sablich Barras leaves a legacy of southern charm and grace, her love for family and friends, her Croatian Heritage and her deep faith in God to those she knew. In her spirit of love and friendship, she would want to say thank you, love you and God Bless to all those who touched her life. She will be forever in our hearts.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, A.J. “Black” Barras; her father, George Sablich; her beloved mother, Irma Augusta Williams; her brothers, Teboy and Harold Sablich; her best friend and dear sister, Germaine Sablich Lyons; and her infant son, Jeffrey.

Her memory is cherished by her son and daughter-in-law, Randy and Debra Barras and her daughter and son-in-law, Arlene and Dennis McInnis; her grandchildren, Miles and Rande Barras, Blakeney Pierpont, her twin great-grandchildren, Brayden and Addalyn Pierpont and Shawn and Ashlee McInnis; her great-grandsons, Keegan Carter and Rhett Handler; her many loving nieces and nephews; and her loyal, caring and dear friend, Greg Nicks. A special love and thanks to Sr. Jackie Tarrant, RSM for her weekly personal visits to Delores’ home. Also a special thanks of love and gratitude  to her one and only daughter-in-law, Debra Barras for always providing her time and transportation. 

In lieu of flowers the family prefers memorials in Delores’ memory be made to the St. Padre Pio organization.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church on Monday, February 19, 2024 at 11:00 am. Friends may visit from 10:00 am until Mass time. Her body will be laid to rest at Southern Memorial Park Mausoleum.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home on Howard Avenue in Biloxi is honored to serve the family of Delores Sablich Barras.