Marie Augusta Fayard Creel

Mrs. Marie Augusta Fayard Creel, 88, went to be home with her heavenly Father, Friday, Deccember 24, 2010, Christmas Eve. She was surrounded by her large and loving family. Marie was born July 3, 1922, in Pascagoula, MS, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Joseph Fayard, Sr. They made their home in D'Iberville, MS. Throughout her young life she faithfully attended church with her parents and five sisters. The six daughters, in earlier and later years, were appreciatively and affectionately called "Those Fayard Girls", valuing their tenacity, generosity and kindness. Marie was valedictorian of her graduating class from D'Iberville High School in 1941. After graduation she was employed at Keesler Field where she earned rapid promotions and was recognized for her exemplary job performance. In later years, Marie served as administrative assistant at the Sisters of Mercy McAuley Education Center in Biloxi, MS. Marie met her husband of 68 years, Roland Joseph Creel, Jr., in 1939. On New Year's Day 1942 they were married at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in D'Iberville. Their growing family resided in Biloxi on Reynoir Street and then Bayview Avenue and belonged to St. John Parish. They made a new home in Ocean Springs, MS, following the loss of their Biloxi home during Hurricane Katrina. Marie was dedicated to her children's Catholic eduation--at home, church and school. She was caring and fully involved in her children's lives in every aspect. Along with her busy life as wife and mother, she was likewise active in church and school. Marie and her family attended weekly and daily masses and prayer devotions. She led her family at home in bible reading, praying the rosary, nightly prayers and singing hymns. She had a lovely singing voice and was a member of St. John Choir. Marie was an active member of the Altar Society. She was devoted to the Sisters of Mercy, always gladly responding to their requests for assistance. Marie was a member of St. John Elementary School Mothers' Club and its successor, the Parent-Teacher Club, for over 20 years and served as president and in other offices. She also was homeroom mother for her children's classes, rotating each school year; and acted as chaperone for numerous church, school and band activities throughout their elementary and high school years. Many of her children's schoolmates and friends, considering her like a mother, called her Mama and referred to her home as their second home. Marie was loving and caring in her grandchildren's and great-grandchildren's lives. She was the heart of her family and, together with her husband, formed the family core of love and devotion by example of strength of character, principles and values. Marie was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Ruby Baylock, Henrietta Swanzy, Joyce Borries and Elwanda Cruse; infant brother, Walter Joseph Fayard, Jr., and infant son, David Joseph Creel. Along with her husband, Roland, Marie is survived by a sister, Christine Webb of Ocean Springs; six daughters, Bonnie (Leo) Eleuterius of Atlanta, GA, Nancy (Charles Martin) Brazil of Biloxi, Deborah (Gary) Nickles of Bella Vista, AR, Ginger Creel of Ocean Springs, Jeannie (Stephen A., Sr.) Trochesset of Ocean Springs and Tammy (Jose) Alvarez of Key Biscayne, FL; and a son, Roland (Tricia) Creel of Ocean Springs. She is survived by eighteen grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren; special family friend, Fatima M. Starks, R.S.M.; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. The family extends special thanks to the Ocean Springs Hospital SICU staff for their kind care of our wife, and mother during her brief illness. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, December 28, 2010, at 11 a.m. at Nativity B.V.M. Catholic Cathedral in Biloxi where she attended for over 40 years. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until service time. Interment will follow at D'Iberville Memorial Park Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, Howard Avenue, in Biloxi is in charge of arrangements.