Dr. Judy Jones Breland

Dr. Judith Jones Breland, age 83, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2025, in Gulfport, Mississippi. A beloved resident of Wiggins, MS, Judy’s life was marked by her dedication to education, community service, and her family.

Affectionately known as “The General,” Judy Breland had a servant’s heart. She fiercely loved her family, her job, and her community, finding her greatest joy in helping others.

Judy graduated from Gulfport High School and pursued higher education with passion. She earned her undergraduate degree from LSU, a master’s degree from the University of Georgia, and a Doctorate from the University of Southern Mississippi.

For 37 years, Judy served as the Home Economist for Stone County with the Mississippi State Extension office, where she made a lasting impact on countless lives. Her interests were as diverse as they were enriching; she enjoyed reading, gardening, dancing, theater, being a homemaker, and sewing. Judy also held a deep love for her pets.

She was an active member of several organizations, including the Women’s Club of Wiggins, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Eastern Star, Mississippi Association of Extension Family and Consumer Sciences (MAEFCS), and the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (NEAFCS). Judy also contributed her time and expertise to Stone County Emergency Management and was a devoted member of both the Methodist and Episcopal churches.

Judy is preceded in death by her parents, June Shirley Thompson Jones and Roy Jackson Jones; and her husbands, Richard H. Edwards and Elmer C. Breland.

She is survived by her daughter, Vanessa Edwards Wasson (Kirk); niece, Angel King; sisters, Stephanie Hammontree (Richard) and Roylynn Jones; and cousins, Susan Youngblood, Cynthia Teekel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions “In Memory of Dr. Judith Breland” may be made to the scholarship: MEAFCS Malika Jones PO Box 339 DeKalb, MS 39328.

Celebration of Life Burial Rites will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at 11 a.m., with visitation starting at 10 a.m. at St. Peter’s by the Sea Episcopal Church 1909 15th St, Gulfport, MS 39501. Interment will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery 1005 Western Avenue, Hammond, LA 70401.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport is serving the family. An online obituary may be viewed at www.RiemannFamily.com