Mary Mason

Mary Joy Robinson Mason of Ocean Springs passed away at her home on Saturday, July 17 with her family at her side. Mary was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on December 28, 1953 but moved to Mississippi with her family at an early age.
She was preceded in death by her father, John T. Robinson.
Mary is survived by her husband of 47 years, Robert Mason; her mother Lillian Robinson; her daughter Laura (Danny) Mason Courtenay; her three grandchildren Hollis, Maryn and Bennett Courtenay; her two sisters, Shirley Robinson and Lilly (Gary) Stein; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mary was a 1971 graduate of Biloxi High School and a member of St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church in Ocean Springs. She worked for the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Gulfport for over 20 years where she was a valued employee.
Anyone who knew Mary, was aware she was a lady of tremendous grace and humble in nature. She met the love of her life, Bob, working in a jewelry store after high school where he was employed as the jeweler after returning from service in the Army. They were married the following year and were joined by their only child, Laura, whom Mary adored. She loved being a mother and was over-joyed to become a grandmother of three and spent endless hours teaching them about the things she loved. Mary was a devout Catholic and proved her faith not only by praying the rosary daily and attending mass, but also by her overwhelming love and kindness to everyone she met. She led a life of committed service to her family and her community and delighted in every moment. Mary was a great big sister who nurtured her younger sisters and was always there to listen and offer advice. She took time to care for her parents daily. She made everyone she met feel comfortable and embodied every form of the fruits of the Holy Spirit; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and gentleness. She shared with her grandchildren her talents, teaching her granddaughters how to sew and giving them all a love of birds and nature. She treasured having coffee with her daughter and Saturday night dinners with her husband. Her family will be reminded of her every time they spy a hummingbird, her favorite bird, and will miss her terribly.
A visitation will be held at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Biloxi (where she and Bob were married) at 177 1st St, Biloxi on Thursday, July 22nd from 10-11 with mass to follow. Burial will be at Veteran's Cemetery (Biloxi National Cemetery) at 400 Veterans Ave, Biloxi at 12:30. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston TX 77030 or to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, 712 Beach Blvd. Long Beach, MS 39560.
Riemann Family Funeral Home, West Jackson County, is serving the family. An online obituary may be viewed and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com .