Doris Vargo

Doris Jean (Mullinix) Vargo, age 92, of Gulfport, Mississippi, and formerly of Harrisburg, Illinois, passed away peacefully at the University of South Alabama Health Hospital at 7:00p.m., on February 27, 2022. The cause of death was a stroke.

Doris was born on August 17, 1929, in Harrisburg, Illinois to Leslie (Bud) and Pearl Mullinix. On April 15, 1949, she married Robert (Bob) Vargo. While Doris was living in Illinois, she was a dedicated member of the McKinley Avenue Baptist Church. Since the 1980s, she had been an active member of the Bel Aire Baptist Church in Gulfport.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Jack Mullinix; her sister, Judith Smith; and her husband Bob.

She is survived by her two sons, Mike Vargo and his wife Robbie, and Marc Vargo and his partner Michael Walker; her grandsons Eric and Adam Vargo; her great granddaughter, Addison (Addie Mae) Vargo; her nieces and nephews, Gloria Willoughby (Beverly Rogers), Tim Smith (Kay), and David Smith (Janet); and her beloved dog and constant companion, Rosie.

With a zest for living, a sharp sense of humor, and a smile for everyone, Doris radiated sunshine. A Christian woman with a heart of gold, she embraced and celebrated life. She was also strong, independent, and resilient, and she lived according to her own convictions. Among her hobbies were interior decorating, shopping, traveling, and caring for animals, from turtles to dogs. She also loved music, and was a highly accomplished pianist. A remarkable, one-of-a-kind woman, it is an understatement to say that she will be missed.

The family is honoring Doris’s longtime wish that she be cremated at Riemann Family Funeral Home in Gulfport, Mississippi, and that there be no formal services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the SPCA (Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) or to “Never Lose Sight,” an agency providing services to the visually impaired in Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is serving the family.