Frances Blakeslee

Mrs. Frances Turner Blakeslee, age 97, a long time resident of Gulfport, passed away on Friday, August 28, 2009, in Gulfport.
Mrs. Blakeslee was born on July 9, 1912, in Gulfport to the late William Angus and Dora Fuller Turner. She graduated as Salutatorian of Gulfport High School in 1930, with honors from Gulf Park College in 1932 and from Mississippi State College for Women in Columbus, MS in 1934. She taught in the public school systems of Gulfport and Long Beach where her most cherished memories were at East Ward Elementary under Miss Bessie Milner. She married H.E. Blakeslee, Jr., on June 30, 1939. For 14 years, she owned and operated a private kindergarten in Bayou View. She was a charter member and past president of the Civic League of Gulfport. She served in various capacities, including president of Chapter B.P.E.O. of Gulfport. She was an active member of First United Methodist Church of Gulfport and was a founding member of Trinity United Methodist Church of Gulfport.
She was preceded in death by her husband, H.E. Blakeslee, Jr.; two brothers, W.A. (Buck) Turner and John Peyton Turner, and a half sister, Virginia Snedaker.
She is survived by her children, Ed Blakeslee and his wife, Marilyn, Duke Blakeslee and his wife, Rosemary, David Blakeslee and his wife, Jennifer, all of Gulfport; and Ginger Ellis and her husband, Mike, of Belton, TX; four granddaughters, Cathy Reed and her husband, Mark, of Jackson, Laura Blakeslee of Gulfport, Rebekah Blakeslee of Jackson, and Kimberly Blakeslee of Ocean Springs; and three great granddaughters, Anna Grace, Catherine, and Caroline Reed, all of Jackson.
Mother (Frances/Ms. Frances) was a wonderful, caring and fiercely independent person, who was loved by many and will be missed by many.
The family gives special thanks to Deborah Carr for the care and love she provided in the later years of mother's life.
Visitation will be at the RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 11280 Three Rivers Rd., Gulfport, on Sunday, August 30, 2009, from 5:30PM until 7:30PM. The funeral service will be held on Monday, August 31, 2009 at 11:00 AM at the First United Methodist Church, Gulfport where family and friends may visit from 10:30 AM until service time. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery on 28th St. in Gulfport.
Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church of Gulfport, 2301 15th St., Gulfport, MS, 39501.
An online obituary may be viewed and a guestbook signed at www.riemannfamily.com.