Mildred Joyce Burdine Burrus

   Mildred Joyce Burdine Burrus, passed away on Thursday, May 16, 2024, in Biloxi, Mississippi. She was born on April 24, 1934, in Gulfport, Mississippi, to her parents Thomas J. Burdine and Mildred Lucille Tyner.
 
   Mildred led a fulfilling life as the matriarch her family. Fondly known by various nicknames such as Mammy, Millard, Granny, GG, Milly, and Eerid, she touched the hearts of many with her warmth and kindness. Mildred graduated from Gulfport High School in 1952 and went on to have a successful career spanning 30 years as a dedicated Switchboard Operator at Broadwater Beach Hotel (22 years) and Keesler Air Force Base (8 years).
 
   Among her proudest accomplishments was being a devout member of First Family Worship Center in Gulfport. Mildred had a variety of interests and hobbies; she loved to crochet, play bingo, attend crawfish boils, shop for deals, and showcase her culinary skills as the Master of Gumbo.
 
   Mildred was the oldest of her family and will be deeply missed. She had longed to see again her loved ones that went home before her. So now in her passing, Mildred is reunited with her husband Gary Burrus, Sr., her son Tommy Smith, her parents, Thomas J. Burdine and Mildred Lucille Tyner, and siblings Alice Faye Wilke, Thomas "Buddy" Burdine, and Murdoch "Murph" Burdine. She is survived by her children Richard Smith of Stonewall, Texas; David Smith of Colorado; Marcia K. Hardy of Southaven, Mississippi; Robert G. Smith of Biloxi; and Dr. Gary Burrus Jr., and wife Wendy of Southaven, Mississippi; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will cherish her memory forever; and her brother-in-law, Thomas Wilke; and sisters-in-law, Betty Burdine and Donna Burdine.
 
   Friends are invited to join the family for visitation and services on Monday, May 20, 2024, at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport, MS 39503.   Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m., with her Funeral Service to follow at 11:00 a.m.      Following services, Mrs. Burrus will be laid to rest at Evergreen Cemetery in Gulfport.
 
   The family would like to express their gratitude to Saads Health Care & Saads Hospice for your tender care of our mom over the last few years, especially to Molly Brown, NP, and to Dr, Magiros. 
 
   Mildred will be deeply missed by all who knew her but finds solace in being reunited with loved ones gone before her. Her legacy of love and kindness will continue to be celebrated by those whose lives she touched.
 
   Rest in peace with your Jesus dear Mildred Joyce Burdine Burrus.