Jessie Miller Peel

Jessie Miller (Morton) Peel, 96, passed away peacefully at her daughter Emily Peel Lynn’s home in Harker Heights, Texas on May 29, 2010, where she had resided most of her time following Hurricane Katrina. She is preceded in death by her mother, Lena Belle Morton and her father, Kedar Miller Morton, her brother William Morton and her husband of sixty one years, Robert Lyon Peel, whom she married in 1938. She is survived by four children: Rebecca Storey, David Peel, Emily Lynn and Ellen Peel; six grandchildren – Philip Moffat, Caroline Storey Sabetti, Melanie Lynn Ringstaff, Brian David Peel, Elizabeth Lynn, Courtney Lynn; and five great-grandchildren – Jessica Ringstaff, Peyton Ringstaff, Ethan Peel, Evan Peel, and Amelia Sabetti. She took great pride in each of their accomplishments over the years and delighted in family gatherings at 141 Beach Park Place in Long Beach. Mrs. Peel was a staunch believer in the importance of education, regardless of one’s gender, family resources, or background. She attended Grenada College and graduated from Mississippi State College for Women in 1936. Her teaching career began in Waynesboro, Mississippi where she met her husband. After they moved to the Gulf Coast, she taught for one year in the Long Beach public school system, followed by twenty six years in the Gulfport public school system. During her career, Mrs. Peel taught at both West Ward Elementary and Central Junior High School. She always encouraged her students to do their best and helped to organize extracurricular activities for them such as school and regional science fairs. Mrs. Peel was active in her church and community. She and her family were members of the First United Methodist Church of Gulfport for over sixty years during which she served as President of the Women’s Society of Christian Service and the Sally Bingham Circle of United Methodist Women, and taught Sunday school. She served in various leadership roles in the Delta Kappa Gamma Society, the Fine Arts Club, and the Civic League where she took great pride in her duties including the Crippled Children’s Clinic and the Holiday Tour of Homes. Mrs. Peel was a true southern lady, who valued family and state history and their culture. She was also known for her creative talents, her sense of good humor, and her compassion for living creatures. Her cheerful personality and talents were particularly evident during holiday, club and school celebrations. She had a big heart for animals, caring for an array of family pets and strays, and supporting her children’s love of horses. Having dedicated her love and efforts to family, students and community, Mrs. Peel’s life was one of quiet accomplishment. She truly will be missed by her family and all who knew her, and her life will continue to serve as an example for others to follow. Visitation is Friday, June 4, 2010 from 6 until 8:00 p.m. at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport. The funeral service is Saturday, June 5, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com