Mary James Cummings

Mary James Cummings, age 48, of Gulfport, went to be with the Lord surrounded by loved ones on August 20, 2023. She privately and independently fought a courageous battle with cancer and other terminal illnesses. Mary never wanted to burden her family and friends with her sickness.

Mary was born on October 10,1974, in Dallas, Texas. She was a proud graduate of Gulfport High School, class of 1993, and a member of Cotillion Club of Gulfport. After graduation, she would continue to receive a degree in Nutrition and Hospitality Management from The University of Southern Mississippi, class of 1998. Mary was a member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority and Gulf Coast Debutante Society.

She was employed by Morrison HealthCare, where she was Director of Food and Nutrition Services. Mary was very passionate about her team members and company. She was not only a great mentor and leader to many, but a friend as well. She truly knew how to treat everyone with respect and dignity, no matter the circumstances. There was no end to what Mary would do to support her team members and ensure the company was a place to be proud of.

Mary’s Christian faith was an essential part of her everyday life. She had a passionate love for animals, especially her bulldog, Cupid. Some of her hobbies and interests included family, football, traveling, rollercoasters, and being on the water. She was always ready for the next adventure. She was well known for her love of cowboy boots, especially pink ones, her favorite color. Mary was an active member of the Revelers Club of Gulfport and loved Mardi Gras.

 Although we may no longer physically see Mary, we have no doubt she has left a permanent mark on all of us lucky enough to have known her. She would want all of us to remember her with a smile rather than with tears. She would want us to find comfort in knowing she is free from pain and at peace, reunited with her daddy in heaven. Mary will always continue to bring sunshine into our lives. We will miss her never-ending sense of humor, her contagious smile, and love of life. She had a heart of gold that will never be forgotten. Mary was, without a doubt, that “one in a million” special kind of person.

She was preceded in death by her father, James W Cummings; Hildegarde & Fuller Harrington of Jackson, MS; and Jim and Marianne Cummings of Bethesda, MD.

Mary is survived by her mother, Shelley Cummings; sister, Katie Aschenbach (Tommy Doucet); nieces, Lainey Aschenbach and Chloe Aschenbach; nephews, John Harrison Doucet, Dawson Doucet, and Louis Doucet; great-nieces, Claire Pique and Blakely Henderson; very special adopted nephew, Austin Gillis.

The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 25, 2023 at St. James Catholic Church in Gulfport. Friends may visit one-hour prior to service. Interment will follow at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15^th Street, Gulfport is honored to serve the Cummings family.

Memorial Donations may be made in Mary’s name to the Human Society of South Mississippi, HSSM.org.