Harriet Gerkens Seymour

Mrs. Harriet Gerkens Seymour passed away peacefully at her home on September 7, 2023 surrounded by her family and loved ones. Harriet was born on December 9, 1936 the tenth of eleven children of John (Johann) and Alice Price Gerkens.

Harriet was raised in Biloxi and attended Sacred Heart Academy, graduating in 1955 as Valedictorian. She then received her diploma of nursing from Providence School of Nursing in Mobile, AL graduating in 1958. She spent her entire nursing career caring for the veterans at the VA Medical Center. Colleagues remember Harriet as a “superior nurse” who was loved by all.

She was a devout Catholic and a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in D’iberville, MS. Harriet was a kind, unassuming person who handled the great difficulties life brought her with tremendous goodness and strength. She cared for her husband, of over 50 years, 25 of those after he suffered a life changing stroke.

Harriet was preceded in death by her loving husband, Lionell; granddaughter, Ashley Nicole Seymour; son-in-law, Arny Gollott Jr.; her parents, John and Alice Jean Price Gerkens; her sisters, Mary Louise (Pinky), Jean, Alma, Anna, Johnnie and Tillie; and her brothers, Bobby and John Gerkens, III. 

She is survived by her children, Michael (Michelle), Cherie (John) and Tracy; her grandchildren, Jamie (Jamie), Sarah, Michael Jr., McKenzie and Morgan; her great-grandchild, James Edward Lee III; her sisters, Sally and Martha (Curtis); and many in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Harriet will always be remembered as a loving wife, mother, sister and friend.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Friday, September 15, 2023 at 12:00 pm. Friends may visit from 11:00 am until Mass time. Interment will follow at Biloxi City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Vincent De Paul of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in D’iberville, MS or one’s favorite charity.

The family would like to express their deep appreciation to Dr. Yashashree Bethala, Dr. Eva Magiros, Saad’s hospice, Father Dominic Pham, Sister Kim, and Harriet’s dedicated caregiver and friend, Linda Broom, who unselfishly took amazing care of her in the final years of her life.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Harriet Gerkens Seymour.