Laurie Matkin

Laurie Paul Stephens Matkin, endearingly known and loved as “Ama,” passed away on Saturday, January 1, 2022, in Pass Christian, Mississippi, at the age of 95.

Laurie was born in Coushatta, Louisiana, on November 13, 1926.  She grew up in Coushatta and graduated from Coushatta High School. She attended Northwestern State University, Louisiana State University, and earned a degree from Tyler Business College in Tyler, Texas.

While living in Tyler, she met and eventually married William R. Matkin, Sr. The family would move to Pass Christian, Mississippi in 1956, and “The Pass” permanently became her beloved home.

Laurie served as the Executive Director of the Pass Christian Chamber of Commerce for over ten years and, upon her retirement, was named an Honorary Chamber Director by the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce.

She was a longtime member of Trinity Episcopal Church, where she headed the Sunday School Program and was active in the Martha Guild.

She reveled in her love of Mardi Gras, supporting the St. Paul’s Carnival Association, and riding in the parade for over fifty years as a founding member of the Krewe of Matkin-Taylor Productions.

She was a member of the Pass Christian Yacht Club, served on many committees, and reigned over the Bards of the Binnacle as Queen Neptuna II in 1978. In 1997, Laurie received the Googsie Rafferty Hospitality Service Award.

She is preceded in death by her husband, William R. Matkin, Sr.; her parents, Judge Paul and Edwina Stephens; her sister, Pat Ratliff; and her grandson, Andrew Gallagher.

Laurie is survived by her son, William R. Matkin, Jr.; her daughter, Diane (Larry) Henderson; her grandsons, Scott (Jennifer) Niolet, Robert (Alicia) Niolet, Tyler (Stacy Tobin) Gallagher, and Taylor Matkin; her granddaughters, Shirley (John F.) Dane, Margeaux (Jon) Harvey, Meredith (Jake) Carr, and Lauren (Jay) Sullivan; twenty great-grandchildren; numerous nephews and nieces; and an uncountable number of cherished cousins and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ama’s honor to Gone Fishing Ministries, P.O. Box 292, Pass Christian, Mississippi, 39571, or to a charity of your choice.

The Public Graveside Service will be held at Live Oak Cemetery in Pass Christian on Friday, January 14, 2022, at 4:00 PM.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Long Beach, is serving the family.  An online obituary may be viewed and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com