Catherine Beavers

Mrs. Catherine Joyce Rich Beavers, age 88, lifelong resident of Gulfport, passed away on Tuesday, June 29, 2010.
Mrs. Beavers was born to Joseph Carl Rich, Sr. and Nellie Naomi Labendera Rich in Gulfport, MS, on June 3, 1922. She graduated from Gulfport High School, attended Mississippi State College for Women, and graduated from Bowling Green College in Kentucky. She and her family were the owners of Jitney Jungle Grocery Stores. Mrs. Beavers' worked as secretary for two mayors for the City of Gulfport. She was a member of St. James Catholic Church, where she served on the Altar Society. She was a former member of the Gulfport Yacht Club and Great Southern Country Club and was an avid golfer and bridge player.
She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, James Edward Beavers; brothers, Joseph Carl Rich, Jr., Admiral Francis Earl Rich, U.S. Navy, Retired, Dr. Charles Adrian Rich; and son-in-law, Robert T. Smith.
She is survived by her daughters, Diane Beavers Smith of Gulfport, and Karen Beavers-Rich of Gulfport; sister, Vivian Rich Rice of Gulfport; grandchildren, Julie Cotton (Byron) of Shalimar, FL, Steve Smith of Starkville, MS, and Chris Smith of Destin, FL.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, July 1, 2010, at 10:30 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church, where friends may visit one hour prior.
Memorials may be made St. Vincent de Paul, St. James Catholic Church, 366 Cowan Road, Gulfport, MS 39507.
Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery.
RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport, is in charge of arrangements, and a guestbook may be signed at www.riemannfamily.com.