Miriam F. Spragio

Mrs. Miriam F. Spragio, age 83, of Biloxi, MS., passed away on Tuesday, September 1, 2009, in Ocean Springs. Mrs. Spragio was a native of Biloxi, who worked as a hairdresser from 1958 until August, 2005. She owned and operated Spragio's Beauty Shop in Biloxi and truly loved her profession, creating an atmosphere that made people feel like family. The only thing she loved more than her job were her children and family. She never ceased loving and caring for them. She was preceded in death by her husband, Royal J. Spragio, a daughter, Susan Spragio Brewer, her parents, Willie and Emma Fountain, three brothers, Kenneth, Carl and Larry Fountain and a son-in-law, Richard "Rick" Benfield. Survivors include two daughters, Dusty Spragio Benfield of Ocean Springs, MS., and Gwen Spragio (Jeff) Gilbert, a son, Royal J. (Sharon) Spragio, Jr., all of Biloxi, MS., a special niece, Sonya F. Miller of Saucier, MS., a sister, Helen Borries, an uncle, James Lepre, both of North Biloxi, MS., six grandchildren, Tammy R. Beam, Royal J. Spragio, III, Cindy B. Bell, April W. Everett, Robyn Spragio Schaar, and Scott M. Williamson and ten great-grandchildren. She was also affectionately known as "Mee Mee" to her twelve nieces and nephews. Visitation will be on Friday, September 4, 2009, from 10 AM - 11:00 AM, with an 11:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial, all at Nativity B.V.M. Cathedral. Burial will follow in Biloxi National Cemetery. The family wishes to give special thanks to Odyssey Health Care and her beloved friend, Sister Mary Riordan. Because of Miriam's love of children, in lieu of flowers the family prefers memorials be made to the Harrison County Children's Shelter, Attn: Cindy Alexander, P.O. Box 7017, Gulfport, MS., 39506. The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.