Vivian Averett

Vivian Conn Averett, lifelong Gulfport resident, died peacefully at her home on Saturday morning, September 6, 2008.
She was the youngest of 12 Conn children. The Conn family settled in Handsboro in 1870.
Vivian was preceded in death by her parents, Sidney W. Conn and Azzie Jenkins Conn, and by her husband, Merrilon G. Averett, Sr.
Survivors include her children, M. G. Averett, Jr. and wife, Fran, of New Orleans, LA; Janice Averett Newman, of St. Louis, MO; Jill Averett White and husband, Neil, of Alexandria, LA; and Tommy Averett and wife, Joanie, of Gulfport; 12 grandchildren, Kimberly Averett, Miles Averett, Jolie Averett Sekinger, Ashley Newman Madigan, Graham Newman, Rachel Averett Sheckart, Amy Averett Potts, Johnny White, Neil White III, Harry White, Liz White Marchese, and Jamie White; and 17 great-grandchildren.
Vivian's long and diverse career included manager of the office supply division of Gulfport Paper Company, and owner of Gifts and More gift shop. She won the Distinguished Salesman Award with Sales and Marketing Executives Club International, she was named Secretary of the Year with the National Secretaries Association, and was President of the Business and Professional Women's Club. She was a member of Burton Memorial Methodist Church.
Vivian was a true American patriot and was a treasure trove of knowledge of politics, government, Coast history, and family genealogy.
She hosted family gatherings at her Gulfport home on a regular basis. Her large family came from far and wide to share her ineffable shrimp gumbo - but most of all, to receive her unconditional love. Her greatest joy was to pamper and nurture the burgeoning population of youngsters in her family. They were blessed to have such a grandmother.
Visitation will be at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport, on Wednesday, September 10, 2008, from 1:00 p.m. until the service at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Gulfport. For more information, please call (228)539-9800.