Lois Maxine Gandy

Lois Maxine Gandy, age 89, a longtime resident of D’Iberville, Mississippi, was welcomed into the arms of her loving Savior on Friday, January 3, 2025. 

Maxine was born to Edgar and Lessie McDonald in Preston, Mississippi, on October 17, 1935. She grew up in a loving Christian home where she worked the family farm with her brothers and sisters. She attended Prince Chapel High School and East Mississippi Junior College, where she earned an associate’s degree. Maxine married and raised four children in Jackson Mississippi, Hollywood California, Woodville Mississippi, and Pearl Mississippi, before moving to D’Iberville Mississippi in 1972. 

Maxine was a legal secretary in D’Iberville/Biloxi for 36 years and was an active member at First Baptist Church of Biloxi for 43 years and, prior to that, at Temple Baptist of Biloxi for 10 years. She loved singing in the choir, attending the Sunday School Class Maranatha, and attending Sew N Sow with her friends. After retiring as a legal secretary, she loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandson. Through the years, she traveled to many places across the United States and even to Europe to visit her family. Maxine loved almost any sporting event, especially if her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were playing, where she would get there early to secure a good seat to enjoy the event. She was also an avid Saints and Braves fan, watching them on TV as often as she could. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, Edgar and Lessie McDonald, six brothers, two sisters, and a grandson. She is survived by her sister, Leddie Hill, and her four children, Linda Meade (Steve), Lois Harwood (Alan), Jerry Gandy (Michelle), and Leslie Harrington. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren (9 spouses), 17 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandson, many nieces and nephews, and several lifelong treasured friends.

Maxine was a faithful servant, full of love, grace, strength, and perseverance. The house of faith she built leaves a legacy that touches future generations. She had a gift of unconditional love, acceptance, and service to others that will never be forgotten and whose impact can never be measured. Today, she is rejoicing as she spends eternity in Heaven with her Lord and Savior. 

The family would like to give special thanks to Vital Caring Hospice, numerous caregivers, and friends during her last year who were a blessing to our family and lovingly cared for our mother in her last days here on earth.

A visitation will be held on Friday, January 10, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11:30 a.m. at First Baptist Church, Biloxi, Mississippi. A graveside funeral service will be on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 12 p.m. at Coy Community Cemetery at 55 Coy Church Road, Preston, Mississippi. 

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Lois Maxine Gandy.