Elaine Avara Gryder

Elaine Avara Gryder, 82, of Ocean Springs, passed away on December 11, 2011. She was born on April 29, 1929, in Pascagoula, MS. and graduated from Pascagoula High School. She was married to William Conniel Gryder III, deceased. Elaine worked diligently, side by side with her husband, Conniel, to open 29 very successful shoe stores, known as "Gryder Shoes, in three states in the Southeast. To Elaine, family was everything and her world revolved around her husband, children and grandchildren. It was times spent with them that she cherished the most. All who knew Elaine will remember her as the epitome of grace and refinement. She was a true "Southern Lady" in every sense of the word. At the same time, she had a keen sense of humor and an infectious laugh. One of her proudest accomplishments was achieved with the completion of her beautiful home in Ocean Springs. It was a world renowned structure designed by the award winning architect, Bruce Goff, and was featured and studied in Architectural Schools all over the world. Elaine was an accomplished pianist and organist. She was a founding member of the Biloxi/Ocean Springs Junior Auxiliary and a member of The First Presbyterian Church of Ocean Springs, where she served as the Floral Chairman. She was a member of the Orchid Society, Biloxi Garden Club and a flower show judge. She was a Past member of Les Masquees Carnival Association and was a member of The Queen Mithras. She was also the owner of Executive Properties in Ocean Springs. Elaine was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, William Conniel Gryder, III, her parents, William T. Avara, Sr. and Birdie Mae Avara and her brother, William T. Avara, Jr. Survivors include her daughter, Belinda Gryder Guice (Jeffrey) her son, William Conniel (Bill) Gryder IV (Micha). Her grandchildren are Heath Allen (Kelly), Lincoln Allen, Alexis Allen, Garlyn Gryder and Neil Gryder. She is also survived by her beautiful new great-grandchild, Gryder James Allen and numerous nieces and nephews, all from Ocean Springs. The family would like to extend a special thank you for all the many prayers offered by friends and extended family and to the caretakers who were so devoted to the care of Elaine. Visitation will be on Wednesday, December 14, 2011, from 1 pm until 3 pm, with a 3 pm Church Service, all at the First Presbyterian Church of Ocean Springs. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery in Ocean Springs. In lieu of flowers the family prefers donations be made to The First Presbyterian Church Flower Fund, 921 Ocean Avenue, Ocean Springs, MS. 39564. The Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.