Elaine Friend

Elaine B. Friend, daughter of the late Clive L. and Annie Husband Byrd, peacefully passed away on March 27, 2022, while listening to her favorite old-time hymns.  Elaine was a resident of the Pass Christian Health and Rehabilitation Center for the past year.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Johnnie Paul Byrd and Benjamin Byrd; and her former husband, Perry F. Friend, Jr., father of her four children.

Elaine is survived by her children, Melanie Ann (Terry) Taylor of Picayune, MS, Perry L. (Lisa) Friend, Sr. of Round O, SC, Susan F. (Clay) Levens of Long Beach, MS, and Leah F. Dukes of Athens, GA.; her eleven grandchildren, Michael P. (Hanna) Herrington, Samantha S. (William) Taylor, Christopher K. Taylor, Perry L. (Stacia) Friend, Jr., Joshua (Samara) Friend. Elaine Friend, Kristina (Cory) Wright, Hannah Levens, Emma Levens, Major Dukes, and Tucker Dukes; and eleven great-grandchildren.

Elaine B. Friend was born August 14, 1930, in Smith County, MS and relocated to Laurel, MS as a child, until her retirement. In Laurel, she was employed with Laurel Federal Savings and Loan for thirty-eight years and was an active member of Highland Baptist Church. Elaine was a member of numerous civic and social organizations. She volunteered on the United Way accounting committee and was a member of the Laurel Little Theater. She enjoyed ball room dancing and participating in dance competitions.

After retirement, Elaine moved to Long Beach, MS in 1996. There she was an active member of the First Baptist Church and loved her Naomi Ladies Sunday School class. She was a member of the Gulf Coast Newcomers, serving as president and treasurer, and was on several committees, where she made many life-long friends. When attending functions, you can bet that Elaine was dressed to a "TEE," from her make-up, matching shoes and jewelry.

In earlier years, Elaine traveled with friends and family to many destinations. She loved to cook for her family and spend time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Elaine was an avid reader, loved working crossword puzzles and delighted in playing bridge with friends.

Funeral services will be held on April 2, 2022, at Riemann Funeral Home in Long Beach, MS. Visitation will be at 9:00 am, with a Celebration of Life at 10:00 am. Dr. LaRue Stephens will be presiding interment. A graveside celebration will follow at Hickory Grove Cemetery, off Old Bay Springs Roads across from the High School Stadium, 15th Street, Laurel, MS at 2:00 pm.

The family would like to thank Pass Christian Health and Rehabilitation Center and Kare-in-Home for the love, care, and compassion shown to Elaine while in their care.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Long Beach, is serving the family.