Paul DeFrank Jr.

Mr. Paul DeFrank, Jr., age 88, of Ocean Springs, MS., died Monday, February 13, 2006, in Ocean Springs. Mr. DeFrank was born in Bessemer, AL., and was a resident of Ocean Springs for 60 years. He was an active officer of the First Methodist Church of Biloxi. He was a graduate Gemologist, was on the Board of Directors of the American Gem Society of the United States and Canada, was one of the founding fathers and second president of the Mississippi Jewelers Association which was organized in 1951. Mr. DeFrank was recognized as the Mississippi Jeweler of the Year in 1974, Mr. Convention in 1983 and Jeweler of the Century in 2000 by the Mississippi Jewelers Association. He was also a 32nd Degree Mason. Mr DeFrank was the owner of Elliott's Jewelers in Biloxi for many years. He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Virginia Elliott DeFrank, and his parents, Elsie Lynn and Paul DeFrank, Sr. He was the oldest of six children. Survivors include his daughter, Toni Schaffner and husband, Charles, of Ocean Springs, MS., son, Skip DeFrank and wife, Kathy, of Biloxi, six grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, a great-great-granddaughter, and sister, Louise Stone of Heweytown, AL. Visitation will be on Thursday, February 16, 2006, from 1-2 PM, with a 2 PM church service, all at the First Methodist Church in Biloxi. Burial will follow in Southern Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers the family prefers memorials be made to The First Methodist Church of Biloxi, 124 Hopkins Blvd., Biloxi, MS. 39530. The Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford O'Keefe is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com.