Frances Hewes Voelkel

Frances Hewes Voelkel, age 71, of Gulfport, passed away on Thursday, June 25th in Ocean Springs . Frances was born December 16, 1937 in Gulfport, and was a longtime resident of the Gulf Coast. Frances was preceded in death by her parents Frederick Searle and Gladys May Hewes; her brother, Frederick Searle Hewes III; her sister, Mary Hewes McQuiston; and her husband, Henry Gerard Voelkel. She is survived by her son Jacob Gerard Voelkel, and wife Rachel; her daughter Sarah Voelkel Burnett, and husband Rick, her brother James Finley Hewes, Sr; her sister Anne Hewes Haddock; and her grandchildren Davis Gerard Voelkel, Katherine Anne Burnett, Patrick Charles Burnett, and Mathhew Henry Burnett. “Frankie” developed lifelong friendships while attending St Joseph’s Academy High School in Bay St. Louis. “Freddie” entered into the Sisters of Saint Joseph Convent in New Orleans where she served the Church and began teaching. She left the convent at the age of 32, and formed an everlasting bond with the different figures she met on her journey. “Miss Voelkel” continued teaching for the Diocese of Biloxi at St. John Elementary and High School, Mercy Cross, and Our Lady of Academy until she retired in 1997. She affected the lives of many teachers, parents, and students along the way. “Frances Jane”, “Annie” always put family first, treating her nieces and nephews like her own. “Granny” took no greater joy than spending time and making memories with her four grandchildren. “Frances” enjoyed playing bridge and bunco with friends. She volunteered at the Saint Vincent De Paul Society and The Presentation Sisters, and supported many local charities. No matter what name she went by, Frances will be remembered as a caring, strong, and selfless person; and she will be solely missed. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, June 27, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at Saint John’s Catholic Church in Gulfport with visitation at 9:00 a.m. and interment in Evergreen Cemetery, Gulfport. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to Saint Vincent De Paul Society, C/O St. John Catholic Church, 2414 17th Street, Gulfport, MS 39501. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com