Fern Theadora Demoruelle Carriere

Fern Carriere, 83, of Gulfport passed away on Friday, February 21, 2025 at her home in Gulfport surrounded by her family.

Fern was born on October 7, 1941 in Biloxi to Theodore and Mildred Demoruelle. She was a lifelong resident of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Fern was a graduate of Biloxi High School where she was a Majorette and member of Junior Miss. She later went on to attend Perkinston Junior College where she was a Perkette. Fern worked in the Automotive business for over 40 years serving as Office manager for Bubba Oustalet Lincoln Mercury, Astro Lincoln Mercury, and most recently worked in the business office at Astro Ford. Over the years she received numerous awards from Ford Motor Company for her service. Fern was a devout Catholic and a member of St. James Catholic Church for over 60 years. She enjoyed cooking, dancing, shopping, slot machines, and spending time with her husband and family. She adored her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and supported them in their activities every chance she got.

Fern was preceded by her parents, Theodore and Mildred Demoruelle; her sisters, Wilhelmina Vallo and Millie Ann Jackson; her brother, Keith Demoruelle; and her grandson, Tanner Birdwell.

Fern is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Gerald “Jerry” Carriere, of Gulfport; her daughter, Gerri Ann Surginer (Craig) of Biloxi; daughter, Jennifer Birdwell of Dallas; son, Raymond (Ray) Carriere of Gulfport; sister, Lorna Gay Richard of Biloxi; brother, Butch Demoruelle of Biloxi; her granddaughter, Sabrina Jenkins (Keith) of Gulfport; grandson, Sean Surginer (Kaitlin) of Biloxi; grandson, Todd Birdwell (Maria) of Dallas; great grandchildren Presley Jenkins, Avery Jenkins, Austin Jenkins, Sean Surginer Jr., Emmarie Surginer, Briella Surginer, and Beau Birdwell; and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. James Catholic Church on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at 11:00 am. Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until 11:00 am Mass time. Interment will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery at 12:30 pm.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Tracy Ladner, Amber Dellenger, Marcellus Jordan, Shaunelle Brown, and Adrian Russell of Vital Caring for their compassion and caring support of Mrs. Carriere during her final days. Also thank you to Theresa Deschamps for caring for Mrs. Carriere as well.

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport, is honored to serve the family of Fern Carriere.