Dorothy Carol Phelps

On Sunday, May 26, 2024, Dorothy Carol Andrews Phelps became reunited with her husband, Bert Phelps Jr.  She passed away peacefully surrounded by family at her son’s home in Hurley, MS.  

 She was born in Biloxi, MS on February 28, 1932 and was the daughter of Walter and Ada J. Thompson Andrews and the great granddaughter of Joseph and Harriet Baker Aken, the original settlers of Deer Island. 

 In her early years, she cherished her extended visits on the island with her grandmother, Ella Aken Thompson. She would row a skiff from the Oak Street pier to her grandmother’s pier and if a skiff wasn’t available, she would make the swim where on at least one occasion she was treated with a friendly escort by a dolphin. Together with her grandmother they spent many days crabbing, floundering, and walking the beaches during the summer and weekends. 

She graduated from Biloxi High School in 1950 and pursued nursing school at Touro Infirmary in New Orleans. She received a 100$ award for graduating at the top of her class and ultimately completed a successful 36 year nursing career, retiring from the Mississippi State Department of Health. 

She married Bert Phelps Jr. in 1958 and together they made the most of life for 65 years. When she and Bert retired, they pursued their passion for travel. They visited all 50 states and locations throughout the world including Europe, Iceland, Australia, along with destinations within the Caribbean and Central America.  

She was a dedicated member of the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Biloxi and in recent years St. Pierre’s Episcopal Church of Gautier.  Working in her yard, tending to her flowers, and reading mystery novels were just a few of the ways she spent her spare time. 

 She is survived by her son, Brent (Karla) Phelps; grandson, Landon, along with an extended family of loving sister in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

 She was preceded in death by her husband, Bert Phelps Jr.; parents, Walter and Ada Andrews; brothers, Walter Jr., Joesph, Warren; and sister, Helen Saucier. 

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Deaconess Hospice and special caregiver, Tina Rouse. 

A Graveside service will be held at 11 am on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at the National Cemetery in Biloxi, MS.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Dorothy Phelps.