Lillie Jobe

Lillie Ruth Burnett Jobe, 91, of Long Beach, MS passed away on September 14, 2024. 

Lil was born on May 12,1933 in DeWitt, Arkansas. She always said she was so fortunate to grow up in the town founded by both her parents’ families. She developed a passion for music at an early age and began playing the piano when she was 4. She went on to become the pianist at Dewitt Arkansas First Baptist Church throughout her middle and high school years, where she also played the pipe organ and bells. She continued her music studies and became a classical pianist. She graduated Valedictorian from DeWitt High School and went on to Ouachita University and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Home Economics. While at Ouachita, she was a member of the marching band.

Lil married the love of her life, Bill Jobe, on February 10, 1957, in Little Rock, AR. They soon moved to Memphis, TN and began to see their family grow. Finally settling in Long Beach, MS, she quickly became an integral part of the community. 

Having raised her three daughters, Lil went back to work for Long Beach Schools as the Special Populations Coordinator. It was during this time that she went back to school at the University of Southern Mississippi and earned her master’s degree. She spent the remainder of her career as the Vocational Resource Educator on the Long Beach-Pass Christian Vo-Tech Campus. 

Lil was an active member of Long Beach Methodist Church. She was involved in several of the ladies groups and served on multiple committees as well as played in their Bell Choir. She was a member of the Long Beach Garden Club, Gulfport Yacht Club, and the Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO). 

Lil was an experienced duplicate Master bridge player and member of Gulf Coast Bridge Association. She was also an avid supporter of the arts attending many performances for the Gulf Coast Symphony and would often travel to see any musical performance in a 200 mile radius!

Lil enjoyed gardening, sewing, playing bridge, decoupage, and gourmet cooking. She was one of those rare cooks who didn’t need a recipe – but her dishes always came out perfectly and left her guests wanting more!

Lil was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Bill Jobe, and her parents Mildred and Barney Burnett. She is survived by her three daughters: Dr. Kathryn J. Bush of Gulfport, MS; Karen J. Young of Gulfport, MS; Jana Jobe of Crystal Springs, MS; and two granddaughters Hayley K. Bush of Atlanta, GA; and Sydney B. Turnipseed (Watson) of New Orleans, LA who adored their “Nana.”

The family would like to say a special thank you to Marilyn Turnage, her private in-home care nurse, Marsha and Kevin Bishop, her longtime neighbors and friends, and Long Beach Methodist Church for their support in her last years.

Visitation will be Tuesday, September 17 at 10am at Long Beach Methodist Church. A Celebration and Remembrance of her life will be 11am, also at Long Beach Methodist Church followed by interment at Long Beach Cemetery. 

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport, is honored to serve the family of Lillie Jobe.