Evelyn Fayard-DeBacco

Evelyn Louise Fayard-DeBacco, age 79, passed away peacefully in Gulfport on Sunday, April 11, 2021.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Percy "Roy" Fayard, Sr.; her second husband, Irvin P. DeBacco; her children, Evelyn Louise Fayard Cornett II, and Percy Roy Fayard Jr.; her grandson, Gabriel Roy Fayard Knott; her brother, Clarence Vaughn; and her sister, Barbara Ann Estes.

She is survived by her daughters, Krystal Rose Knott and Danielle Fayard Mouring; her 10 grandchildren; and 3 great-grandchildren.

Evelyn was a lifelong resident of Gulfport. After graduating high school at GPHS, she obtained her Cosmetology License, and worked at Chic Salon in Biloxi where she met (her first husband) the love of her life, Roy in the late 50's. She and Roy began a lifelong partnership that she often described as the best adventure of her life. Eventually Evelyn had opened her own beauty shop in Gulfport, but with her constant drive to better herself, (and her constant need to chase after Roy) she became interested in anything and everything he touched. By 1983, Evelyn graduated from MGCCC with an Associate's degree in Applied Science in Electrical Engineering and went on to own and operate Fayard Electric for 10 years and also was a member of the International Association of Electrical Inspectors.
Evelyn wore many hats! She was a travel coordinator for International Travel Study and was one of the first to introduce Mississippi to the Foreign Exchange Student Program. She was responsible for 30 to 40 students each summer coming from all over the world, as well as having at least 7 students yearly that stayed for the academic school year. In 1989 she opened the Crystal Rose bar on Canal Rd. in Gulfport where she did most of the bartending, some entertainment and all of the security. She retired from the bar business in 2005. Evelyn was also active in Real Estate and had several residential and commercial ventures going at any given time. Her hobbies were many and was known for her exuberant and vibrant personality and her artistic skills using oil paints. She was admired by many & loved by most. She will be greatly missed.

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the funeral service at 2:00 PM, Sunday, April 18, 2021, at RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 19130 Commission Rd., Long Beach, MS, with a visitation from 12:00 PM until the service. Entombment will follow at Fayard Cemetery in Waveland, Ms.

An online obituary may be viewed and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com