Rachel Williford

Rachel Williford passed away on October 12, 2021 at the age of 86. She was born on August 10,1935, in Chihuahua, Chihuahua Mexico. Her parents were Jorge and Lucia (Lucy) Lopau.

Rachel’s family moved to El Paso, Texas when she was 5 years old. Rachel was the oldest of 5 daughters. Due to her mother’s influence, she grew up having a very strong faith in God, which never wavered. She graduated from Ysleta High School at the top of her class and was awarded an art scholarship.

In 1955, she married the love of her life, Stanley Williford, who served in the Air Force. They were married for 61 years until Stanley’s passing in 2016.

Rachel was a stay at home mom for many years before becoming a bilingual tutor for the San Bernardino City Unified School District in California. Because English was her second language, she enjoyed helping her students become fluent in English. While working at a middle school, she started “The Caring Club” to encourage kids to do kind acts for others.

Rachel started every morning by praying for all of her family and anyone else she knew who was struggling. While visiting her father in a convalescent home, she noticed how so many patients never had visitors and seemed so lonely. This inspired her to do volunteer work at local convalescent homes by spending time with those who had no one. She later started volunteering for hospice and would provide a much needed break for caregivers by filling in for them and visiting with the patients.

Rachel and Stanley moved to Gulfport Mississippi in 2002 to be near their youngest daughter Cathy and her family.

There, they became members of Bible Baptist Church and loved their church family.

Rachel was the heart of her family. She was a loving, devoted wife, mom, grandma and great grandma. Her sweet, sunny personality brought joy to us all.

Sadly, in recent years, Rachel suffered from dementia. After Stanley passed away, her daughter Cathy and husband Gene took her into their home. They were her caregivers up until she passed away.

Rachel was predeceased by her parents, Jorge and Lucy Lopau, husband Stanley, sisters Yvonne and Marta (the first Marta), son Stanley Jr and baby great grandson Luca.

She is survived by 2 sisters: Marta Bradford and Armida Pacheco; 4 children: Stephen Williford, Valerie Biggs (Duane), Christopher Williford (KimberLee), and Cathy Walker (Gene). She also leaves behind 9 grandchildren: Nichole, Jackie, Christina, Derek, Kristen, Sarah, Jade, Brandon and Ian; 11 great grandchildren (plus one on the way); and 3 great-great grandchildren.

Visitation will be at Bible Baptist, Gulfport, MS on Thursday, October 21, from 10:00-11:00 a.m., followed by the memorial service at 11:00 a.m. The graveside service for family will be Friday, October 22 at 10:00 a.m. at Biloxi National Cemetery.

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