Beth Mitchell Cooley

Beth Mitchell Cooley, age 79, of Gulfport, passed away on Tuesday, November 1, 2011.
Mrs. Cooley was born at home in Richardson, MS on May 18, 1932. She graduated as Salutatorian of Carriere High School 1950, in Carriere, MS. She loved her work at Mississippi Power Company until her retirement after twenty plus years.
Mama faithfully used her God given talents as Pianist at Grace Memorial Baptist in Gulfport, MS for over 25 years, then served at Gulf Gardens Baptist in Gulfport; and many other churches around the country. Mama played for innumerable weddings, funerals, and functions throughout her life. She was always quick to give credit to the Lord for her musical gifts.
She was preceded in death by her husband of more than 40 years: John Franklin Cooley, of Gulfport, MS; her parents Mable S. Mitchell and Luther L. Mitchell of Picayune, MS;
and her sisters Hilda M. Mitchell, Dorothy Mitchell, Mary Yvonne M. Carroll, Frances M. Winstead, and the twins, Sylvia Ada and Sybil Ida Mitchell of Picayune, MS.
Survivors include her two children, Lisa Cooley Heinrich and husband, Bobby Heinrich, of Gulfport, MS; and John Mark Cooley of Nashville, TN; four grandchildren, Anthony K. Smith of Fayetteville, NC; Meghan Heinrich; Joshua Heinrich and Joy Heinrich, all of Gulfport, MS; one great grandchild, Rachel Eden Smith of Fayetteville, NC; three brothers, Darrell L. Mitchell of Gulfport, Carl E. Mitchell of San Antonio, TX, and Ronnie E. Mitchell of Picayune, MS.
Visitation will be on Friday, November 4, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. until 12 Noon at the First Baptist Church, 12190 Hwy. 605 in Gulfport. The Funeral Service will follow at 12 Noon in the church. Burial will be at 1:30 p.m. at the National Cemetery in Biloxi. Arrangements by Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport. Tributes may be offered at www.riemannfamily.com.