Eleanor Jay Tubbs

Eleanor Jay Tubbs, born on February 26, 1935, at her family’s home in Saucier, Mississippi, passed away on August 7, 2024, in Gulfport, Mississippi. Jay, as she was affectionately known, lived a life devoted to faith, family, and love, leaving a legacy that will be cherished by all who knew her.

Jay married the love of her life, David Wayne Tubbs, on October 24, 1953. Their marriage was a beautiful union built on mutual respect, faith, and deep affection. Together, they raised four children—Mark, Sherlyn, Justin, and Sonya—in Saucier, MS. Jay was a dedicated mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, whose love for her family was unmatched. Her home was always filled with warmth, laughter, and the teachings of faith, creating a nurturing environment where her children and grandchildren thrived.

A lifelong Christian, Jay’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. She was a devoted member of the Church of Christ, attending services at congregations in Gulfport, Orange Grove, and O'Neal Road. Jay’s commitment to her faith was evident to all who knew her. She was known for her daily Bible readings, which she cherished as a time of reflection and spiritual growth. Her love for her Savior was deep and unwavering, guiding her through the joys and challenges of life. Those who knew Jay witnessed her faith in action, as she lived her beliefs with grace, kindness, and humility.

Jay was preceded in death by her husband, David Wayne Tubbs; her son, Justin Lacy Tubbs; her parents, Virgil Patton and Beatrice Scarborough; her brothers, Baby Boy Patton, Delmar Patton, Clifford Patton, Cleveland Patton, and Richard Patton; and her sisters, Louise House, Elizabeth Patton, Rosa Lee Sauls, and Crystal LeBauve. The loss of these loved ones was difficult, but Jay’s faith and the support of her remaining family provided her with the strength to carry on.

She is survived by her son, Mark (Terri) Tubbs; her daughters, Sherlyn (Ed) Hoffman and Sonya (Todd) Davis; her grandchildren, Jared Davis, Brittany Davis, and Shantale Byrd; her great-grandchildren, Roman Davis, Charley Davis, Oliver Davis, Kaitlynn Byrd, Tuff Shaw, Hank Shaw, and Aaron Hembree; and her great-great-grandson, Theo Rodriguez-Grimes. Jay’s family was her pride and joy, and she cherished the time spent with each of them. She was a source of unconditional love and support, and her influence will continue to shape their lives for years to come.

Jay’s life was filled with simple pleasures that brought her great joy. She had a deep appreciation for nature and loved feeding birds, especially seagulls. The sight of a rainbow always brought a smile to her face, as it reminded her of the beauty and promise in God’s creation. Jay was also a passionate football fan, never missing a chance to cheer on her favorite teams—the New Orleans Saints, Mississippi State Bulldogs, and Ole Miss Rebels. Her enthusiasm for the game was infectious, and she loved sharing that passion with her family.

When it came to food, Jay had a special fondness for oysters, fish, and French fries. These simple, yet delicious foods were her favorites, and she enjoyed sharing meals with her loved ones, creating memories around the dinner table. Her kitchen was a place of comfort and connection, where she expressed her love through the meals she prepared.

Jay was a woman of strong convictions and unwavering values. She was a lifelong, staunch Republican, proud of her beliefs and unafraid to stand up for what she thought was right. Her generosity and willingness to help others were reflections of her faith and her belief in the importance of serving others. Jay was down to earth, uplifting, and unashamed of her faith, living a life that was true to her values and principles.

A graveside celebration of Jay’s life will be held on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, from 10:45am - 11:15am at Biloxi National Cemetery, located at 400 Veterans Ave, Biloxi, MS 39531. Family and friends are invited to gather and honor the remarkable woman she was, sharing memories and celebrating the love and faith that defined her life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the family to assist with funeral expenses.

Jay’s passing leaves a void in the lives of those who loved her, but her spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and friends. Her life was a testament to the power of faith, love, and generosity, and her memory will be cherished forever by those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is serving the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.riemannfamily.com