Mary Sumrall

Mary Lanell Sumrall, 72, of Gulfport, went to be with her Lord and Saviour on Saturday January 24, 2009. Mary was born on May 20, 1936, in Gulfport. On February 6, 1953, she married her sweetheart, Robert. Together, they raised four children. Mary devoted her life to raising her children. She was an excellent seamstress, sewing dresses for her daughters and herself. She loved being in God's house, going to church every opportunity she had. She will be greatly missed by her family and all who knew and loved her. She was preceded in death by her parents, Chrissie and William Benefield, one son, Robert Sumrall, Jr., and five brothers: George Benefield, Larry Benefield, Otis Benefield, Johnny Benefield and James Benefield. She is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Robert Sumrall, Sr.; three children: Michael Sumrall of Jackson, MS; Carol Reynolds of Gulfport, MS; and Donna (Brett) Mallette of Long Beach, MS; six grandchildren: Amanda Housand of Destin, Fl; Michael Sumrall and Austin Sumrall, both of Scottsville, KY; George Singley of Gulfport, Ms; Simeon Mallette and Hannah Mallette, both of Long Beach, MS; and three great-grandchildren; Gracie Housand, Carson Housand, and Rylan Housand, all of Destin, FL; one brother, Tommy (Ginger) Gill of Ville Platte, LA; two sisters; Ola (Elbert) Phillips of Gulfport, MS, and Alice (Jimmy) Harris of Irvington, AL, and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Monday, January 26, 2009 from 6-8 P.M. at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, O'Neal Rd. in Gulfport. The funeral service will be on Tuesday at 2:00 P.M. from the funeral home chapel. Burial will follow in the Free Church of God Cemetery. View and sign register at www.bradfordokeefe.com.