Shirley Rose Seymour Santa Cruz

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Shirley Rose Seymour Santa Cruz, of D’Iberville on March 27, 2023, at the age of 98. Shirley was born on August 28, 1924, to parents Eula Mae Lawrence and Lee Moses Seymour in the home of her paternal grandparents, Laura Quave Seymour and Moses L. Seymour, located on the north side of Biloxi Bay.

She is preceded in death by her loving and devoted husband Vernon W. Santa Cruz of 58 ½ years; her daughters, Bonnie Santa Cruz Bishop and Deborah Santa Cruz Mallette; her brother, Lee Seymour; her son-in-law, Robert “Bobby” Mallette Sr.; and her brother-in-law, Hayward R. Santa Cruz.

Shirley is survived by her two youngest daughters and sons-in-law, Melanie Lane, Shirley Rose Caddell, Stephen Caddell, and James “Mickey” Bishop; as well as her sisters, Eula Lee Williams, Wilda Creech, and Hilda Strayham. She will forever be cherished and remembered by her grandchildren, Michael Bishop, Brian Langloss, Brandon Bishop, Garth Mallette, Laura Pylate, Jimmy D. Lane, Kelly Fore, Bridget Carter, Johnathan Caddell, Jennifer Turner, Stephanie Brooks and Shelley Singh; 21 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A life-long resident of D’Iberville, Shirley graduated as valedictorian in 1942 from D’Iberville High School (DHS). She was a graduate of Perkinston Jr. College (MGCCC) with honors (1943) and a member of Phi Theta Kappa. She worked as the secretary to the first general assigned to Keesler Air Force Base. She and her husband also owned and operated Santa Cruz Floor Covering and Five Point Service Station.

As a devoted mother, Shirley was very active in her daughters’ education and band activities. She served as the Secretary Treasurer at St. Theresa’s Elementary School Mothers Club (PTA). She also served a term as President of the Sacred Heart All Girls Kiltie Band Committee and was a chaperone of numerous band trips.

After 28 years, Shirley returned to college to earn her B.S. (1974) and M. Ed. with honors (1975) from The University of Southern Mississippi. Continuing her educational pursuits, she taught at D’Iberville Elementary School where she impacted many young minds till her retirement in 1990. Full of pride and fulfillment, she would always amaze others with her quick recall of students’ names and classroom stories from long ago. As a devout Catholic from birth, she also proudly served a term on the Sacred Heart Parish Council and in 2019 was honored to serve as Queen and longest living parish member of the annual Sacred Heart Bazaar.

Shirley loved her family dearly and was only too proud of a Memaw to tell a listening ear about her grandchildren. Both Shirley and her husband, Vernon, knew the value of family and enjoyed many trips together with them on their pleasure boat “Easy Money.” A true matriarch, Shirley held her family close with her nurturing wisdom, an undeniable love, and an everlasting loyal heart. She will be deeply missed by all.

The family would like to thank Home Instead, Saad’s Hospice, her caretakers, Gloria, Ann, Tracy, Mona and Val and her caretaker and lifelong neighbor, Bobbie Jean.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, March 31, 2023 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in D’Iberville. Friends may visit from 10:30 a.m. until Mass time. The Rite of Committal will follow at Santa Cruz Cemetery.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, Howard Avenue in Biloxi, is honored to serve the Santa Cruz and Seymour family.