Norma Elizabeth Embry Irby

Norma Elizabeth Embry Irby, 83, of Gulfport, died Monday, April 17, 2006 in Saucier. Mrs. Irby was born in Belfalls, Texas and had been a resident of Gulfport since 1953. She was a longtime active member of Grace Memorial Baptist Church, Gulfport. Mrs. Irby retired in 1988 from Magnolia Federal Savings Bank as Vice-President after a 31 year career in banking, having served as Branch Manager for several locations. She was very active in the community, serving on various boards and committees, including being a past president of the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce. She also served on the board of the MS Coast Council of Chambers, South MS Tourist Promotion Council, and MS Coast Visitors Bureau. She was a past president of the Long Beach Business and Professional Women's Club and member of the Citizens Advisory Committee of MS Marine Resources Council. Mrs. Irby was also very active in Mission work, visiting many different countries and teaching English in China. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was preceded in death by her husband, Moody B. Irby; infant daughters, Rebecca and Vickie; parents, John R. and America Elizabeth Embry; and two brothers, John Embry and George Embry. Mrs. Irby is survived by a son, Harvey S. Herrin, Jr. and his wife, Ruth of Gulfport; a brother, Billy Embry of Temple, TX; four grandchildren, Elizabeth Noel and her husband, Paul, Lara Herrin, Mariha Goebel and her husband, Joe, Harvey S. "Beau" Herrin, III; and two great-grandchildren, Jonathan P. Noel and Benjamin E. Noel. The funeral service is Friday, April 21, 2006 at 12 noon at Grace Memorial Baptist Church, Gulfport where friends may visit from 10 a.m. until the service. Interment will follow at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens in Gulfport. The family prefers memorials to Grace Memorial Baptist Church, 2412 23rd Avenue, Gulfport, MS 39501. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, O'Neal Road, Gulfport is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com