Joshua Adam Baker

Joshua Adam Baker, 23, of Gulfport died Thursday, March 6, 2008. He was a native of South Mississippi.

Survivors include parents Michael and Susan Baker of Ocean Springs; daughters Ava Michele Baker and Breanna Leigh Baker, both of Gulfport; girlfriend Christina Parker of Gulfport; sister Genifer McVicker of Ocean Springs, and brother Michael "Mikey" Baker II of Pace, Fla.

Joshua was found dead in his truck of a gunshot wound to the head, according to a March 08, 2008, news report at www.sunherald.com. Gulfport police said he was found on Ponderosa Drive, where his Dodge pickup hit an automobile that was apparently some distance from where his vehicle had drifted after the 23-year-old was shot.

"I didn't believe it. It was a horrible shock. We will all miss his big, happy smile," said Baker's sister, Genifer McVicker, to a reporter with the Sun Herald.

Driver dead in his truck:
Truck rolls on, hits parked car
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Visitation was March 12 at the Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes. Funeral service was March 13 in the funeral home chapel. Burial was at Crestlawn Memorial Park.

Corey Jeanfreau

Corey Jeanfreau, 20, of Gulfport died Friday, Sept. 19, 2008.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at noon Sept. 23 at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Road in Gulfport, where friends may visit one hour prior to the service.

Burial will be at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in Saucier.

Family begins legal pursuit in death of VanAlstines

Shyla and Phillip VanAlstine

Relatives of Phillip and Shyla VanAlstine have begun a pursuit for legal and financial compensation in the deaths of their family members, according to media reports.

The family filed a suit in federal court this week charging Waste Management of 'willful, wanton negligence' for the July 29 vehicle wreck that killed the Vancleave couple and their 7-year-old daughter Haylie and injured 4-year-old Kaytie.

Family files suit in deaths
Posted Sept. 19, 2008 @ www.gulflive.com/themississipipress

Daughter Avery, 18 months then, was in the care of family members at the time of the wreck, which occured on Interstate 12 in Baton Rouge, La.

Phillip VanAlstine was employed with Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding in Pascagoula; Shyla VanAlstine was a teacher at Vancleave High School and head of the English Department.

Family files suit in deaths
Posted Sept. 18, 2008 @ www.wlox.com

The suit charges James C. Lane, driver of an 18-wheeler Waste Management truck, with causing the accident that eventually involved another tractor-trailer and another van.

Truck driver arrested in fatal crash
Posted August 2008 @ www.clarionledger.com

Waste-truck driver charged in deaths
Posted Aug. 23, 2008 @ www.sunherald.com
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Louisiana police officials have said the two latter vehicles also struck the van driven by the VanAlstines, who were returning home from trip before the start of the 2008-09 school year Aug. 6.

Brian Robisheaux: 9/11 memorial

(Also see notable teen death from 9/11/2004: Lindsay Miller)

Brian David Robisheaux, an 18-year-old from Gulfport, died Sept. 11, 2007.

He graduated in 2006 with honors from the Youth Challenge Program of Louisiana, and was employed by Cajun Cutters Lawn Care Service, owned and operated by his father, David Robisheaux.

Brian loved the outdoors, especially riding dirt bikes and four-wheelers. He loved spending time with his nieces and nephews -- Devondrick, Ashton, Ashlyn, Jada and Spencer.

Brian was preceded in death by maternal grandparents William “Bill” Williams and Bettie Barnes Williams, and uncle Rufus Hill.

Brian was the beloved son of David Peter Robisheaux and wife Donna, and Jean Williams Bagwell and husband Royce. He is also survived by sister Rachel Lewis and husband Damondrick; brother Bryce Robisheaux; stepbrother Brandon Cooper and wife Samantha.

Other family survivors include paternal grandparents Solly “Jack” and June Robisheaux; step-grandmother Sheryl Cooper; step-grandparents Donald Cooper and wife Charlotte; uncles Solly Robisheaux and wife Patricia, Jeri Williams, and Joe Tom Williams and wife Leah; aunts Beth Robisheaux Holley and husband Jerry “Randy”, Mary Robisheaux Hill, Lou Malbrough and husband Melvin, Bridgette Basas and husband Julio; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A memorial service was held in Youngsville, La., and was handled by Riemann Family Funeral Homes, 11280 Three Rivers Road Chapel, Gulfport.

Dillyn Michael Baldock

Dillyn Michael Baldock, infant, of Moss Point died July 4, 2008.


Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home on Howard Avenue in Biloxi handled arrangements.

Ashton Morgan Ford & Justin Golden

Ashton Morgan Ford, 17, died June 21, 2008, in Gonzales, La., in a vehicle wreck.

She leaves her mother and stepfather, Bertha and Tim Watts of Gonzales; father Morgan Ford, formerly of Long Beach; grandparents, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

FAMILY MEMORIES: She was a bright light in a dark world and will be sorely missed by her loving family.

Ourso Funeral Home in Gonzales, La., handled service arrangements.

Justin Golden, 23, of Vancleave died Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008.

Heritage Funeral Home in Escatawpa handled funeral arrangements.

Almighty God is our lily in the valley when our heart is breaking because our children are forever gone from this side of eternity.

Arrest Made in Posey death

Update:

According to media reports, Gulfport police have arrested Anthony Gerard Randall, 25, of Petal in connection with the hit-and-run death of 19-year-old Theresa Posey.

The teenager was killed about 4:30 a.m. Sept. 14 after her vehicle stopped on Interstate 10 in Gulfport. Posey's 16-year-old sister was with her at the time.

Arrest Made In Biloxi Teen's Hit & Run Death
Posted Sept. 15, 2008 @ www.wlox.com

$1 million bond for hit-and-run suspect
Posted Sept. 16 2008 @ www.sunherald.com

Vanessa Posey: He Took My Child From Me

“He took my child from me.”

Those were the words of a crying and grieving Vanessa Posey on Sunday, Sept. 14, as she talked about the death of her 19-year-old daughter, Theresa Posey.

Mother Of A Hit And Run Victim Pleads For Killer To Confess
View mother's plea and statements about her daughter at www.wlox.com

The teenager was killed around 4 a.m. Sept. 14 during a hit-and-run accident while she and a younger sister were trying to change oil on Posey's malfunctioning vehicle.

Hit-and-run kills Biloxi teen
Police search for driver of white car on I-10
Posted Sept. 15, 2008 @ www.sunherald.com

Gulfport police are asking residents for help in locating the driver and vehicle, a white male in a white automobile. A darker-skinned male passenger was said to be in the vehicle headed west on Interstate 10, according to media reports.

Biloxi Woman Killed In Hit And Run On I-10 In Gulfport
Posted Sept. 14, 2008 @ www.wlox.com

Residents with information about the hit-and-run may contact Gulfport police at 228-868-5959.

Steven P. Hoda Jr.

Steven P. Hoda Jr., 17, of the Kiln died Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008, in Gulfport following a wreck that also killed friend Tanner Adam.

2 Dead After Crash in The Kiln
Posted Sept. 13 and 14, 2008 @ www.wlox.com

Steven was a native of Kiln, and a senior at Hancock High School. He was employed with Dixieland Feed Store. He was a junior fireman at Fenton Volunteer Fire Department.

His family said Steven was an avid outdoorsman. He loved hunting, fishing, 4-wheelers, along with friend Tanner, and all other sports.

Steven is survived by his father, Steven P. Hoda Sr. and fiance Leslie Ladner; mother Leslie Hoda and fiance Scott Brecher; brother Donavon Hoda; step-sisters Maesyn Cuevas, Emily Brecher, and Logan Brecher; grandparents Donnie and Cynthia Carver and Pat and Sharon Hoda; great-grandmother Lillian Carver; aunts and uncles Donnie and Rebecca Carver, Kenneth "Ray" and Jennifer Faye, Stanley and Debbie Hoda and Marlin and Priscilla McQueen; cousins Heather Hoda, Trevor Patterson, Whitley McQueen, Frank Venezia and Braxton Faye; and numerous other family, relatives and friends.

Kiln teens killed in wreck
Posted Sept. 14, 2008 @ www.sunherald.com

Visitation will be 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 16 at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 9113 Kiln DeLisle Road in Pass Christian. A burial Mass will be at 3:30 p.m. at Annunciation Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Alphonse Malley Cemetery.

Residents may sign the guestbook at http://www.riemannfamily.com/

Photo courtesy of riemannfamily.com

Tanner Neil Adam

Tanner Neil Adam, 17, died Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008, in the Kiln along with friend Steven P. Hoda Jr.

Tanner was a life-long resident of Bay St. Louis and the Kiln. He was a senior at Hancock High School and a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Dedeaux.

Kiln teens killed in wreck
Posted Sept. 14, 2008 @ www.sunherald.com

Tanner was an active outdoorsman who especially loved four-wheel drives, hunting, fishing and 4-wheeling with his twin brother, Taylor, and friends that included Steven Hoda.

He was preceded in death by grandmother Mary Ellen Montgomery and grandfather Clayton Richard Adam.

He is survived by parents Brian "Hooty" and Laura Ladner Adam; brother Trevor and twin brother Taylor; grandparents Aubrey "Duper" Montgomery of Kiln, Carolyn Adam of Bay St. Louis, Johnny and Charlene Ladner of Dedeaux; great-grandmother Birdie Mae Ladner; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, and many special friends.

2 Dead After Crash In The Kiln
Posted Sep 13, 2008 @ www.wlox.com

Visitation begins at 7 p.m. Sept. 16 and will last through the night until 11:30 a.m. Sept. 17 Riemann Family Funeral Home at 9113 Kiln-DeLisle Road in Pass Christian. Recitation of the Rosary begins at 9:00 p.m.

The funeral procession will leave at 11:30 a.m. from the funeral home and end at Sacred Heart church for the burial Mass at noon Sept. 17. Burial will follow at the ME & D Family Cemetery.

Catherine Rebecca Hale

Catherine Rebecca Hale, 21, died Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008, in Biloxi. She was born Nov. 28, 1986.

She was a 2008 graduate of Harrison County Child Development Center and attended Mill Creek.

Catherine was preceded in death by her grandfather, Willie O'Connor, and great-grandmother Rebecca Reed Bradley. She is survived by her mother, Ruth E. Hale; grandmother Felice O'Connor; brothers William (Marilyn) Hale of Gulfport, Anthony M. Hale Sr. of Biloxi, Bradley R. Hale of Gulfport and Lonnie J. Hale of Biloxi; nephews Anthony M. Hale Jr. of Moultrie, Ga. , and Toran and Tevar Aultman of Biloxi; godmothers Stephanie Gray of Ocean Springs and Frances Thomas and Kathy Pickich of Biloxi; and five godsisters and two godbrothers.

The family extended special thanks to Biloxi Regional Medical Center; Dr. Richard Gorman and staff; Harrison County Child Development Center staff; Arnette Jackson; Lacresia Wilkey; Eddie Joe (Vonda) Lyons, Jr.; Audrey Robinson; First Missionary Baptist Church and everyone who touched her life.

Marshall Funeral Home handled burial arrangements that were held today, with visitation and funeral services at First Missionary Baptist Church. Burial was in Biloxi City Cemetary.

Rivalries To Talk Big Game Over Breakfast

By Myya Robinson
Communications Director
Moss Point School District

MOSS POINT -- It’s known as one of the top high school football rivalries in Mississippi.

The Moss Point Tigers and the Pascagoula Panthers will go head to head for the traditional rivalry game Sept 12 at Dantzler Memorial Stadium in Moss Point. The game is one of the most anticipated in Jackson County every year.

This friendly competition sparked Moss Point to start a new tradition three years ago where the hosting team invites the other over to its neck of the woods for a special breakfast.

This year’s breakfast is scheduled for 9 a.m. Sept. 11 at Burnham Drugs in Downtown Moss Point.

Rivals trade barbs before big game

Posted Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008 @ gulflive.com/themississippipress

The school district superintendent, high school principal, head football coach, and mayor from Moss Point and Pascagoula are slated to attend.

This is not your typical breakfast. Participants from both sides usually engage in “big talk” to say why their team is going to win this year.

The rivalry between Moss Point and Pascagoula is included in a new book, Y’all vs Us, which features the top 15 high school football rivalries in Mississippi.

The books will be on sale for $35 at Moss Point’s home gate.

Photos courtesy of pascagoula.net and the Moss Point School District

Ryder A. Hotalen

Ryder A. Hotalen, 5 months, died Monday, Sept. 1, 2008.

He is survived by parents Chad and Shannon Hotalen, brothers Hunter and Graham, and a host of other family members.

A memorial service was held Sept. 6 at Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Boulevard Chapel, with the Rev. Tim Robertson officiating. A private burial was held at Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens in Suffolk, Va.

The family asked that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to “First Candle” at www.firstcandle.org. First Candle was formerly known as SIDS, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Alliance.

Nicholas Clayton Woods

Nicholas Clayton Woods, 16, died Saturday, Sept. 6. 2008. He was born Dec. 14, 1991, in Pascagoula.

Nick was a junior at St. Martin High School in the St. Martin community, and enjoyed riding dirt bikes, fishing and golfing. He attended Calvary Baptist Church in Pascagoula.

St. Martin Student Dies in Accident
Posted Sunday, Sept. 07, 2008 @ gulflive.com/the mississippi press

He was preceded in death by paternal great-grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Pete Schlautman; maternal great-grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Eugene R. Smith and William Howard Pope Sr.
He is survived by Pascagoula residents who include his parents, Michael and Leigh Ann Woods of Pascagoula; sisters Caroline Woods and Allison Woods; paternal grandparents Charles and Joann Woods; and maternal grandparents Bill and Diane Pope.

Survivors also include paternal great-grandparents Otis and Pearl Woods of Kiln, Miss; maternal great-grandmother Lela G. Pope of Agricola; uncles and aunts Marcy McKee (Tom), Theresa Pintea (Mitchell), Annalisa Franklin (Joe), Jodi Gasaway (Tony), Dana Woods, Billy Pope (Jennifer), Mark Pope (Dawn) Scott Holliday (Robbie), Melissa Courville, Mike Pope, and Tifiney Pope; and numerous cousins and friends.

Teen dies as car flips
Posted Sunday, Sept. 07, 2008 @ www.sunherald.com

Visitation will be Sept. 8 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church in Pascagoula. Funeral services will be Sept. 9 at 2 p.m. at the church with the Rev. Chris Carter officiating.

Pallbearers will be Billy Pope, Scott Holliday, Mark Pope, Joe Franklin, Tony Gasaway and Tommy McKee. Honorary pallbearers will be Austin Hill, Logan White, Jacob Reeves and Kyle Bryant.

Interment will follow at Jackson County Memorial Park in Pascagoula. Residents may sign an online registration at http://www.obryant-okeefe.com/

CANDY Receives Grant to Purchase Car Seats

United Way of Jackson and George Counties last week gave Citizens Against Needless Death in Youth one of several Community Impact Grants presented to non-profit groups.

CANDY received $943 to replace 23 car seats.

CANDY's mission is to promote through educational awareness programs activities and community service the prevention of needless death and injuries suffered by children.

United Way begins fundraising
Posted Sept. 5, 2008 @ The Mississippi Press

The grant was presented Sept. 4 during United Way's kickoff luncheon for the 2008 fundraising campaign. The agency supports 23 other non-profits, and aims to raise $2 million this year.

Elena Ramos Robinson

“Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” -- Jesus Christ

Infant Elena Ramos Robinson, daughter of Levi and Maria Ramos-Robinson, died Thursday, July 3, 2008, in Mobile, Ala.

Elena is also survived by grandparents Michael and Mary Partrick and Pastor and Elenita Ramos, uncle Pastor Ramos Jr; cousin Gavriella Ramos, and godmother Teri Breeland.

A graveside service was held July 8 at Biloxi National Cemetery.

Arrangements were by Riemann Family Funeral Home in Gulfport, where obituary was viewed and a guest book signed at www.riemannfamily.com

Jena Cecile Peterman

This summer the family of Jena Cecile Peterman remembered her birthday, July 3, 1985, with a poem. Jena died Feb. 24, 2005, and will be forever loved and missed by her parents and sister Jana.

They also presented the third annual Jena C. Peterman Memorial Scholarship on May 12, 2008.

“Loved with a love beyond all telling,
Missed with a grief beyond all tears,
To the world she was just one,
To us she was all the world."

Eric Edward Banas

Eric Edward Banas, 20, of Moss Point died June 23, 2008. He was born Oct. 4, 1987, in Johnston City, N.Y.

Eric graduated in 2006 from Keystone National in Pennsylvania. He was employed at Northrop Grumman Ship Systems in Pascagoula and was a student at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. He was a member of Riverside Baptist Church in Pascagoula.

He is survived by his wife, Kayla Banas of Moss Point; parents Dr. Edward Banas and Charlotte Banas, and sister Natalie Banas, all of Vancleave, and numerous other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were private, and handled by O'Bryant-O'Keefe Funeral Home, where an online register was viewed and signed at http://www.obryantokeefe.com/

Ashton Morgan Ford

Ashton Morgan Ford, 17, died June 21, 2008, in Gonzales, La., during a vehicle wreck.

She leaves her mother and stepfather, Bertha and Tim Watts of Gonzales; father Morgan Ford, formerly of Long Beach; grandparents, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

FAMILY MEMORIES: She was a bright light in a dark world and will be sorely missed by her loving family.

Ourso Funeral Home in Gonzales, La., handled service arrangements.

Tristan Paul Prejean

Tristan Paul Prejean, 24, of Assumption Parish, La., died June 20, 2008.

He is survived by parents Ricky and Taryn Tague Prejean; sister Tarie Prejean, godchild Tyrie Prejean; grandparents Raymond Prejean Sr. and Mary Jane Prejean of Paincourtville, La.; Joseph and Elizabeth Tague of Waveland.

A visitation was held June 25 and June 26 at Landry's Funeral Home, Napoleonville, La. A Mass of Christian burial was held June 26 in Paincourtville, La.

Another memorial service was held in Bay St. Louis on June 29 at Jack's Restaurant.

Landry's Funeral Home Inc. was in charge of arrangements.

Lewis Randal Zehner Jr.

Lewis Randal "Man Man" Zehner Jr., 20, of Leakesville died Aug. 27, 2008.

Services were handled by Freeman Funeral Home of Leakesville.

Schools reopen following Hurricane Gustav

Communications Director Myya Robinson

Schools across South Mississippi opened Wednesday and Thursday following storm preparation and evacuation for Hurricane Gustav, which did not cause major damage in the three coastal counties.

The 2008 summer season's seventh named tropical storm/hurricane made landfall as a Category 2 storm Sept. 1 about 70 miles west of New Orleans, which had evacuated about 1.9 million residents.

Communications Director Myya Robinson with the Moss Point School District on Aug. 30 announced precautionary measures to have schools remain closed Tuesday. Classes resumed Wednesday along with other districts in Jackson and Harrison counties.

All educational districts in Hancock County are set to reopen today.

Myya Robinson may be reached at 228-474-3399.

Evacuation hiatus

MemoriesAlways was on evacuation hiatus from Aug. 30 until today for Hurricane Gustav, which made landfall Sept. 1 in Louisiana.