Elaine Beck Cherota

Elaine Beck Cherota, 89 years old, died Monday, July 18, 2011, at her home in Biloxi, Mississippi. Elaine was a native of Baltimore, MD, and a longtime resident of Biloxi. Elaine was active in her church and served as a Deacon at Cedar Lake Christian Assembly in Biloxi. She was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Lt. Col. Frederick W. Cherota Sr., USAF Retired. Survivors include 8 children, 3 sons, Frederick W. Cherota Jr., Robert C. Cherota, William H. Cherota, and 5 daughters, Marjorie C. Byrd, Nancy C. Sonnier, Betty C. Hyde, Katharine E. Conn, and Nicole M. Winans, 2 sisters Marge Hoban, Mabelle Nestor and a brother, Howard C. Beck, III. Elaine is also survived by 26 grandchildren, 55 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren. Elaine worked for many years as a legal secretary and assistant for local attorney and Harrison Family Court Judge, Lawrence Semski, as well as serving as court reporter for the Circuit Court of Harrison County under The Honorable Leslie B Grant. Elaine also worked tirelessly assisting Judge Grant in editing and amending Grant’s Mississippi Law. As a devoted Air Force wife she traveled with her husband to many countries where she embraced new languages and cultures, as well as making lifelong friends. Elaine was a selfless mother who set a wonderful Christian example for everyone throughout her life. She loved us well and will be missed. The Cherota Family wishes to thank granddaughters, Lauren Cherota, Nicole Winans and Roberta Cherota who worked tirelessly caring for their grandmother. Special recognition should also be given Odyssey Hospice, Stella, Roshanda, Jan, Lynn, Pam and Chasity, as well as Comfortkeepers, Jennifer Gill, and all the caregivers who sat with our loved one and in caring for her, they cared well for us. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to The Humane Society of South MS, 2615 25th Ave., Gulfport, MS 3950, or to Cedar Lake Christian Assembly, 11555 Cedar Lake Rd., Biloxi, MS 39532. Condolences may be offered at the family home on Wednesday, July 20, 2011, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. with a service of rememberance from 5 p.m. until 6 p.m. Graveside services will be 9 a.m. Friday, July 22, 2011 at Biloxi National Cemetery with military honors \ Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, Howard Ave., in Biloxi is in charge of arrangements. ,