Leatha Louise Rampey Asman

Mrs. Leatha Louise Rampey Asman, 79, born December 26, 1926, in Pensacola, Fla., died Friday, June 2, 2006, in Ocean Springs, MS where she has resided for the last 30 years. She was preceded in death by her husband of 36 years, Cmdr. George Hardgrave Asman (USN), her eldest child, son John Patrick Asman, her youngest child, daughter Susan Kathryn Asman, her step-granddaughter, Victoria Marie Felts, and her parents, James and Ola Rampey. Mrs. Asman is survived by her daughter, Sheri Asman Felts of Pascagoula; her sons, Michael Richard Asman of Ocean Springs, and Steven Hardgrave Asman and his wife, Carla, of Mobile, AL; grandson, John Patrick Felts of Pascagoula; granddaughter, Kelly Lynne Asman of Houston, TX; grandson, Christopher James Asman of Mobile, AL, and step-grandson, Harvey Raphael Felts and his wife, Angela, of Charlotte, NC. After graduating with highest honors from Pensacola High School, Mrs. Asman attended Florida State College for Women (now Florida State University) and then transferred to Duke University on full academic scholarship to complete her degree in nursing. She was a member of the Chi Omega Sorority and several honor societies at both campuses. While visiting her parents in Pensacola during the Christmas season of 1946, she met her future husband, Naval Academy graduate, LTJG George H. Asman. They were married six weeks later on February 15, 1947, and remained devoted to one another until Cmdr. Asman's death in 1983. Mrs. Asman was a resident of the Gulf Hills neighborhood for twenty-seven years. The Gulf Hills Civic Club, Gulf Coast Dinner Club, Gulf Coast Symphony and Coast Community Concerts were amongst her many social and civic affiliations. She was a faithful member of the Episcopal Church of The Redeemer in Biloxi, served for many years in the St. Agnes Guild and was also a docent for the historical tours of the sancturary and grounds of the nationally registered landmark church. Mrs. Asman has been described by many of her acquaintances as the epitome of the true southern lady. Her graciousness, elegant demeanor, and classic style endeared her to every one fortunate to have known her and she will be greatly missed, but gently remembered, by all. Due to the destruction of her beloved Church of The Redeemer by Hurricane Katrina, services will be held at the Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home in Ocean Springs. The funeral mass will be officiated by Father Harold F. Roberts on Tuesday, June 6, 2006, at 7:30 in the evening. Visitation will commence prior to the service at 6 p.m. Interment will be on Thursday, June 8, 2006, at 1:15 p.m. at Fort Barancas National Cemetery, Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida. Pallbearers will be sons, Michael and Steven; grandsons, Patrick, Christopher and Raffe, and Harvey C. Felts. Honorary Pallbearers are Deborah Felts, Sherrie Duncan, Katie Redding, Teresa Moore, and Jessica Riley. The family wishes to extend their sincerest appreciation to Mrs. Gloria Pearson of Mobile, mother-in-law of Steven Asman, who graciously provided both sancutuary and tender care to Mrs. Asman for several weeks following the destruction of her Gulf Hills home by Katrina.