Roberta Jane "Janie" Gilly Hood

Roberta Jane “Janie” Gilly Hood, 67, of Biloxi, went to her heavenly rest on July 25, 2014. The daughter of Robert James and Mary Jane Wilkes Gilly, Janie was born in Biloxi on May 22, 1947 and graduated in 1965 from Biloxi High School where she was active in many clubs including Debuteens. She obtained her BS in Business from the University of Mississippi. At Ole Miss she was active on campus and was a Sigma Chi sweetheart. Janie was an avid supporter of Ole Miss and had a real love for the “Hotty Toddy” University. She later pursued her MS in Marketing at William Carey University. She had a magnetic personality and could light up a room as she entered it! After college she taught business at Biloxi High School for several years then began her business career at the Bank of Mississippi and Lamar Outdoor Advertising. Janie was marketing director for Biloxi Regional Hospital for many years winning several ADDY advertising awards. She obtained her real estate license and worked in real estate and mortgages primarily on the Gulf Coast. She was a member of the Biloxi Bay Chamber of Commerce, a Gulf Coast Leadership graduate, Lions Club and the Biloxi Yacht Club. Janie loved Mardi Gras and was a former member of Bonne Vivantes and Krewe of Hera, and a lifetime member of Order of Billikins where she served as Secretary in 1986, Queen in 1987, and Captain in 2007. She was of the Catholic faith, but more recently had attended First United Methodist Church-Gulfport with her loving friend and companion, David Brown. Janie was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Mary Jane Gilly of Biloxi. Survivors include her two daughters; Ashley Hood Schermerhorn (Jimmy) of Little Rock, AR and Erynne Hood Messina (USMC SSGT.George) currently serving in Winder, GA and one granddaughter Graeye Elliott Messina and special friend, David Brown of Biloxi and many other close friends. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to The Humane Society of Harrison County. Visitation will be Tuesday, July 29 at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, Howard Avenue, Biloxi from 4:00-6:00 PM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial. A private graveside ceremony will be held later in the week for family and closest friends.