Leila Ethel Hebert

Mrs. Leila Ethel Reid Gavin Hebert, born June 29, 1924, was a lifelong resident, of Biloxi, MS. She went to be with her Lord Saturday, July 30, 2011 at the age of 87. Leila was a member of Cedar Lake United Methodist Church and Women's Circle. She was an active member of the D'Iberville Senior Citizens, the D'Iberville Community Club, and the Fleur de Lis French Club. Her first thought was always for others, never for herself. She lived a life of servitude to her family, her friends and her community. She was a blessing to all. She was known for her home cooking, and her banana nut bread was prized by many. Going hungry was not an option if you knew her. At every function and any endeavor, she was a driving force who rarely took credit, but was satisfied just to be of help. She was preceded in death by her parents, Otis and Ethel Ware Reid; two brothers, William "Brother" Reid and Odie Joe Reid; two sisters, Lema Ross and Elmira Hanson LeBlanc; her first husband, Howard "Dudie" Gavin, her second husband, Vallex J. Hebert, Sr. and step-son, Vallex J. Hebert, Jr. She is loved and survived by her sister, Margaret (Brent) McLeod; her six children, Jerry (Linda) Gavin, Donald (Judy) Gavin, Michael (Demple) Gavin, Jeanette (Ronnie) Bird, Carroll (Millie) Hebert, and Sandra (Casey) Locke; step-son, Douglas (Nat) Hebert; twenty three grandchildren, David Bounds, Jimmy (Beth) Bounds, Jason (Nikki) Gavin, Jenny (Chris) Webber, Katy Gayle Gavin, Michael Gavin, Jr. Jamie (Drew) Parker, Laura (Carl) Peebles, John (Sheila) Bird, Amanda (Mike) Dubaz, Charlene (Eric) Russell, Tammy (Daniel) Geter, Karen (Felix) Umanzor, Tina Hebert, Ian (Ashley) Locke, Lea (Shane) Wynn, Chris Hebert, Sheila Hebert, David Hebert, Dennis Hebert, Jill Middleton, Stephen Hebert, Mitchell Hebert; and thirty seven great grandchildren with several on the way and one great-great grandchild. She taught her family and friends her christian values and morals through her deeds, thoughts and actions every day. Her joyous spirit will live on through them. Visitation is Monday, August 1, 2011, from 6 until 8 p.m. at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, Howard Avenue, in Biloxi. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday in the funeral home chapel. Interment ;will follow in Biloxi City Cemetery.