"Marion Katherine Thomas Gorenflo, 97, of Biloxi, died Tuesday, April 24, 2001, in Biloxi.
A near-centenarian, Marion Katherine Thomas Gorenflo departed this earth on April 24, 2001, for her heavenly home to be united with her Savior and all the departed loved ones she missed so very much. She died peacefully in her bed at the home of Ms. Edna Odom on Dewey Circle. Ms. Odom had been Mrs. Gorenflo's devoted and faithful care provider since October 1994. Mrs. Gorenflo was a dutiful daughter, faithful Christian, special sister, loving wife, devoted mother, sacrificial grandmother, special friend, loyal citizen and patriot, and faithful servant to all. Mrs. Gorenflo is believed to have been born on January 23, 1904, in New Orleans. The actual date cannot be confirmed, since her birth records were destroyed in New Orleans fire. Her parents are William John Thomas and Louise Mae Gerstner Thomas, originally of New Orleans. Mrs. Gorenflo's family is of Germanic descent, and her main family connections center in the City of New Orleans. Mrs. Gorenflo led a very interesting and productive life. At one time, her father, William Thomas, was Postmaster of Biloxi. Having been born circa 1904, she remembered all the main wars of this century and the stories surrounding them. During World War II, Mrs. Gorenflo was especially active in the Biloxi USO, an organization which served all U.S. servicemen of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. She also often recalled the impact the sinking of the Titanic had on her family and the community of Biloxi. Mrs. Gorenflo had the gift of story-telling and often shared her experiences and recollections of Biloxi life from the early 1900's. She particularly loved to describe the Biloxi traditions and lifestyles, and the many Mardi Gras balls and gowns she and her mother made over the years. Mrs. Gorenflo rode out many hurricanes and storms, particularly the worst hurricane to hit Biloxi, Hurricane Camille, a category 5, in her childhood and married home just off the beach on Howard Avenue. Her stories continued until her death, as her long term memories remained sharp in her mind. Biloxi, her homeland since childhood, was always at the center of devotion, and she faithfully served her beloved community. In 1991, Mrs. Gorenflo joined the First Baptist Church of Biloxi, where she became the oldest person to date Dr. Frank Gunn baptized and was an active member of the Ruth Sunday School Class. Since 1994, Mrs. Gorenflo was faithfully served by The Homebound Department, Charlotte Forsythe's Sunday School Class and other First Baptist Church members. She was a Sunday School teacher, founder, and former Board of Trustees member of The Lutheran, Evangelical and Reformed Church, Biloxi, which was originally located on the corner of Jackson and Thomas Streets. Thomas Street was named for her family. She devoted much time as a volunteer Back Bay Mission many years ago. Mrs. Gorenflo was selected as Mississippi State Mother for the Order of DeMolay in the early 1950's. Her service in this role to the young men of Biloxi and the State of Mississippi was a source of great joy in her life. Mrs. Gorenflo was a former Miss Biloxi in the early 1920's, and she was also a member and President of the Biloxi Music Club. She was known for her beautiful lyric soprano voice, and she performed throughout the community and New Orleans for years. Mrs. Gorenflo was previously Biloxi High School PTA President and served in the PTA for many years. She was a 1922 graduate of Biloxi High School. Mrs. Gorenflo was a very active member of the Biloxi Garden Club. She worked for many years for the United Gas Company and the Carl Mathis architectural firm. Mrs. Gorenflo traveled and lived extensively throughout the United States after the 1963 death of her beloved husband, whom she affectionately referred to as "My Buddy." She lived with her son, Captain Louis William Gorenflo, U.S. Navy and his family from 1963 to 1990. She lived in: Brunswick, Maine; San Diego and Monterey, California; Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania; Newport, Rhode Island; and then Vienna and Herndon, Virginia. From 1990 to 1994, she resided in her home at 311 Forrest Avenue. Mrs. Gorenflo and her husband, the late Captain Louis James Gorenflo, created and operated THE SAILFISH, the Biloxi Harbor Living Marine Tour, from 1954 to 1963. The Sailfish remains operational today and is a major Biloxi tourist attraction. Prior to 1954, Capt. and Mrs. Gorenflo founded and operated Gorenflo Boat Works, Gorenflo Charter Fishing, and the harbor tours with the initial Sailfish vessel, a converted LCVP. Mrs. Gorenflo spent the majority of her life caring for others in distress and in need. She will be sadly missed by those who survive her: son, Captain Louis W. Gorenflo (Kathy), USN (Ret.), Fairfax, Va., Ann M. Gorenflo, former daughter-in-law of East Falmouth, Ma.; sister, Mrs. Ruby Thomas Allen of St. Petersburg, Fla., grandson, CDR Mark L. Gorenflo, USN, of Seattle, Wash.; grandson, Neal R. Gorenflo of San Francisco, Calif.; grandson, Sean Gorenflo and his wife Kim of Richmond, Va.; her namesake, great-grandson Carson Marion Gorenflo; grandson, Matthew S. Lambert of Knoxville, Tenn.; and all her many cousins, nieces, nephew and friends. Her survivors also include her two dear sisters-in-law; Mrs. Wilfred Gorenflo and Mrs. Lewis Gorenflo Curtis. Mrs. Gorenflo was preceded in death by her husband, three brothers, Edward Thomas, Christian Thomas of Biloxi and Addison Thomas of Houston, Texas. The family wishes to especially acknowledge the love, care, visits, and devotion shown by Mrs. Gorenflo's nephew and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Lee, Ocean Springs; lifetime friends, Mr. and Mrs. Horace Guillotte, Sunkist, and all the staff of Quality Home Health Care, the Victory Sunday School Class; The Homebound Department and especially her unselfish and beloved caregiver, Ms. Edna Odom and all her family, Biloxi. Visitation will be from 6 to 9 p.m., Friday, April 27, 2001, at the Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-0'Keefe Funeral Homes in Biloxi. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 28, 2001, at the First Baptist Church in Biloxi. Burial will be in Southern Memorial Park Cemetery. The family requests that donations be made in memory of Mrs. Gorenflo to: The Homebound Ministry, First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 7385, Biloxi, MS 39532."
April 26, 2001 The Sun Herald
A near-centenarian, Marion Katherine Thomas Gorenflo departed this earth on April 24, 2001, for her heavenly home to be united with her Savior and all the departed loved ones she missed so very much. She died peacefully in her bed at the home of Ms. Edna Odom on Dewey Circle. Ms. Odom had been Mrs. Gorenflo's devoted and faithful care provider since October 1994. Mrs. Gorenflo was a dutiful daughter, faithful Christian, special sister, loving wife, devoted mother, sacrificial grandmother, special friend, loyal citizen and patriot, and faithful servant to all. Mrs. Gorenflo is believed to have been born on January 23, 1904, in New Orleans. The actual date cannot be confirmed, since her birth records were destroyed in New Orleans fire. Her parents are William John Thomas and Louise Mae Gerstner Thomas, originally of New Orleans. Mrs. Gorenflo's family is of Germanic descent, and her main family connections center in the City of New Orleans. Mrs. Gorenflo led a very interesting and productive life. At one time, her father, William Thomas, was Postmaster of Biloxi. Having been born circa 1904, she remembered all the main wars of this century and the stories surrounding them. During World War II, Mrs. Gorenflo was especially active in the Biloxi USO, an organization which served all U.S. servicemen of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. She also often recalled the impact the sinking of the Titanic had on her family and the community of Biloxi. Mrs. Gorenflo had the gift of story-telling and often shared her experiences and recollections of Biloxi life from the early 1900's. She particularly loved to describe the Biloxi traditions and lifestyles, and the many Mardi Gras balls and gowns she and her mother made over the years. Mrs. Gorenflo rode out many hurricanes and storms, particularly the worst hurricane to hit Biloxi, Hurricane Camille, a category 5, in her childhood and married home just off the beach on Howard Avenue. Her stories continued until her death, as her long term memories remained sharp in her mind. Biloxi, her homeland since childhood, was always at the center of devotion, and she faithfully served her beloved community. In 1991, Mrs. Gorenflo joined the First Baptist Church of Biloxi, where she became the oldest person to date Dr. Frank Gunn baptized and was an active member of the Ruth Sunday School Class. Since 1994, Mrs. Gorenflo was faithfully served by The Homebound Department, Charlotte Forsythe's Sunday School Class and other First Baptist Church members. She was a Sunday School teacher, founder, and former Board of Trustees member of The Lutheran, Evangelical and Reformed Church, Biloxi, which was originally located on the corner of Jackson and Thomas Streets. Thomas Street was named for her family. She devoted much time as a volunteer Back Bay Mission many years ago. Mrs. Gorenflo was selected as Mississippi State Mother for the Order of DeMolay in the early 1950's. Her service in this role to the young men of Biloxi and the State of Mississippi was a source of great joy in her life. Mrs. Gorenflo was a former Miss Biloxi in the early 1920's, and she was also a member and President of the Biloxi Music Club. She was known for her beautiful lyric soprano voice, and she performed throughout the community and New Orleans for years. Mrs. Gorenflo was previously Biloxi High School PTA President and served in the PTA for many years. She was a 1922 graduate of Biloxi High School. Mrs. Gorenflo was a very active member of the Biloxi Garden Club. She worked for many years for the United Gas Company and the Carl Mathis architectural firm. Mrs. Gorenflo traveled and lived extensively throughout the United States after the 1963 death of her beloved husband, whom she affectionately referred to as "My Buddy." She lived with her son, Captain Louis William Gorenflo, U.S. Navy and his family from 1963 to 1990. She lived in: Brunswick, Maine; San Diego and Monterey, California; Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania; Newport, Rhode Island; and then Vienna and Herndon, Virginia. From 1990 to 1994, she resided in her home at 311 Forrest Avenue. Mrs. Gorenflo and her husband, the late Captain Louis James Gorenflo, created and operated THE SAILFISH, the Biloxi Harbor Living Marine Tour, from 1954 to 1963. The Sailfish remains operational today and is a major Biloxi tourist attraction. Prior to 1954, Capt. and Mrs. Gorenflo founded and operated Gorenflo Boat Works, Gorenflo Charter Fishing, and the harbor tours with the initial Sailfish vessel, a converted LCVP. Mrs. Gorenflo spent the majority of her life caring for others in distress and in need. She will be sadly missed by those who survive her: son, Captain Louis W. Gorenflo (Kathy), USN (Ret.), Fairfax, Va., Ann M. Gorenflo, former daughter-in-law of East Falmouth, Ma.; sister, Mrs. Ruby Thomas Allen of St. Petersburg, Fla., grandson, CDR Mark L. Gorenflo, USN, of Seattle, Wash.; grandson, Neal R. Gorenflo of San Francisco, Calif.; grandson, Sean Gorenflo and his wife Kim of Richmond, Va.; her namesake, great-grandson Carson Marion Gorenflo; grandson, Matthew S. Lambert of Knoxville, Tenn.; and all her many cousins, nieces, nephew and friends. Her survivors also include her two dear sisters-in-law; Mrs. Wilfred Gorenflo and Mrs. Lewis Gorenflo Curtis. Mrs. Gorenflo was preceded in death by her husband, three brothers, Edward Thomas, Christian Thomas of Biloxi and Addison Thomas of Houston, Texas. The family wishes to especially acknowledge the love, care, visits, and devotion shown by Mrs. Gorenflo's nephew and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Lee, Ocean Springs; lifetime friends, Mr. and Mrs. Horace Guillotte, Sunkist, and all the staff of Quality Home Health Care, the Victory Sunday School Class; The Homebound Department and especially her unselfish and beloved caregiver, Ms. Edna Odom and all her family, Biloxi. Visitation will be from 6 to 9 p.m., Friday, April 27, 2001, at the Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-0'Keefe Funeral Homes in Biloxi. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 28, 2001, at the First Baptist Church in Biloxi. Burial will be in Southern Memorial Park Cemetery. The family requests that donations be made in memory of Mrs. Gorenflo to: The Homebound Ministry, First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 7385, Biloxi, MS 39532."
April 26, 2001 The Sun Herald
"Marion Katherine Thomas Gorenflo, 97, of Biloxi, died Tuesday, April 24, 2001, in Biloxi.
A near-centenarian, Marion Katherine Thomas Gorenflo departed this earth on April 24, 2001, for her heavenly home to be united with her Savior and all the departed loved ones she missed so very much. She died peacefully in her bed at the home of Ms. Edna Odom on Dewey Circle. Ms. Odom had been Mrs. Gorenflo's devoted and faithful care provider since October 1994. Mrs. Gorenflo was a dutiful daughter, faithful Christian, special sister, loving wife, devoted mother, sacrificial grandmother, special friend, loyal citizen and patriot, and faithful servant to all. Mrs. Gorenflo is believed to have been born on January 23, 1904, in New Orleans. The actual date cannot be confirmed, since her birth records were destroyed in New Orleans fire. Her parents are William John Thomas and Louise Mae Gerstner Thomas, originally of New Orleans. Mrs. Gorenflo's family is of Germanic descent, and her main family connections center in the City of New Orleans. Mrs. Gorenflo led a very interesting and productive life. At one time, her father, William Thomas, was Postmaster of Biloxi. Having been born circa 1904, she remembered all the main wars of this century and the stories surrounding them. During World War II, Mrs. Gorenflo was especially active in the Biloxi USO, an organization which served all U.S. servicemen of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. She also often recalled the impact the sinking of the Titanic had on her family and the community of Biloxi. Mrs. Gorenflo had the gift of story-telling and often shared her experiences and recollections of Biloxi life from the early 1900's. She particularly loved to describe the Biloxi traditions and lifestyles, and the many Mardi Gras balls and gowns she and her mother made over the years. Mrs. Gorenflo rode out many hurricanes and storms, particularly the worst hurricane to hit Biloxi, Hurricane Camille, a category 5, in her childhood and married home just off the beach on Howard Avenue. Her stories continued until her death, as her long term memories remained sharp in her mind. Biloxi, her homeland since childhood, was always at the center of devotion, and she faithfully served her beloved community. In 1991, Mrs. Gorenflo joined the First Baptist Church of Biloxi, where she became the oldest person to date Dr. Frank Gunn baptized and was an active member of the Ruth Sunday School Class. Since 1994, Mrs. Gorenflo was faithfully served by The Homebound Department, Charlotte Forsythe's Sunday School Class and other First Baptist Church members. She was a Sunday School teacher, founder, and former Board of Trustees member of The Lutheran, Evangelical and Reformed Church, Biloxi, which was originally located on the corner of Jackson and Thomas Streets. Thomas Street was named for her family. She devoted much time as a volunteer Back Bay Mission many years ago. Mrs. Gorenflo was selected as Mississippi State Mother for the Order of DeMolay in the early 1950's. Her service in this role to the young men of Biloxi and the State of Mississippi was a source of great joy in her life. Mrs. Gorenflo was a former Miss Biloxi in the early 1920's, and she was also a member and President of the Biloxi Music Club. She was known for her beautiful lyric soprano voice, and she performed throughout the community and New Orleans for years. Mrs. Gorenflo was previously Biloxi High School PTA President and served in the PTA for many years. She was a 1922 graduate of Biloxi High School. Mrs. Gorenflo was a very active member of the Biloxi Garden Club. She worked for many years for the United Gas Company and the Carl Mathis architectural firm. Mrs. Gorenflo traveled and lived extensively throughout the United States after the 1963 death of her beloved husband, whom she affectionately referred to as "My Buddy." She lived with her son, Captain Louis William Gorenflo, U.S. Navy and his family from 1963 to 1990. She lived in: Brunswick, Maine; San Diego and Monterey, California; Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania; Newport, Rhode Island; and then Vienna and Herndon, Virginia. From 1990 to 1994, she resided in her home at 311 Forrest Avenue. Mrs. Gorenflo and her husband, the late Captain Louis James Gorenflo, created and operated THE SAILFISH, the Biloxi Harbor Living Marine Tour, from 1954 to 1963. The Sailfish remains operational today and is a major Biloxi tourist attraction. Prior to 1954, Capt. and Mrs. Gorenflo founded and operated Gorenflo Boat Works, Gorenflo Charter Fishing, and the harbor tours with the initial Sailfish vessel, a converted LCVP. Mrs. Gorenflo spent the majority of her life caring for others in distress and in need. She will be sadly missed by those who survive her: son, Captain Louis W. Gorenflo (Kathy), USN (Ret.), Fairfax, Va., Ann M. Gorenflo, former daughter-in-law of East Falmouth, Ma.; sister, Mrs. Ruby Thomas Allen of St. Petersburg, Fla., grandson, CDR Mark L. Gorenflo, USN, of Seattle, Wash.; grandson, Neal R. Gorenflo of San Francisco, Calif.; grandson, Sean Gorenflo and his wife Kim of Richmond, Va.; her namesake, great-grandson Carson Marion Gorenflo; grandson, Matthew S. Lambert of Knoxville, Tenn.; and all her many cousins, nieces, nephew and friends. Her survivors also include her two dear sisters-in-law; Mrs. Wilfred Gorenflo and Mrs. Lewis Gorenflo Curtis. Mrs. Gorenflo was preceded in death by her husband, three brothers, Edward Thomas, Christian Thomas of Biloxi and Addison Thomas of Houston, Texas. The family wishes to especially acknowledge the love, care, visits, and devotion shown by Mrs. Gorenflo's nephew and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Lee, Ocean Springs; lifetime friends, Mr. and Mrs. Horace Guillotte, Sunkist, and all the staff of Quality Home Health Care, the Victory Sunday School Class; The Homebound Department and especially her unselfish and beloved caregiver, Ms. Edna Odom and all her family, Biloxi. Visitation will be from 6 to 9 p.m., Friday, April 27, 2001, at the Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-0'Keefe Funeral Homes in Biloxi. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 28, 2001, at the First Baptist Church in Biloxi. Burial will be in Southern Memorial Park Cemetery. The family requests that donations be made in memory of Mrs. Gorenflo to: The Homebound Ministry, First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 7385, Biloxi, MS 39532."
April 26, 2001 The Sun Herald
A near-centenarian, Marion Katherine Thomas Gorenflo departed this earth on April 24, 2001, for her heavenly home to be united with her Savior and all the departed loved ones she missed so very much. She died peacefully in her bed at the home of Ms. Edna Odom on Dewey Circle. Ms. Odom had been Mrs. Gorenflo's devoted and faithful care provider since October 1994. Mrs. Gorenflo was a dutiful daughter, faithful Christian, special sister, loving wife, devoted mother, sacrificial grandmother, special friend, loyal citizen and patriot, and faithful servant to all. Mrs. Gorenflo is believed to have been born on January 23, 1904, in New Orleans. The actual date cannot be confirmed, since her birth records were destroyed in New Orleans fire. Her parents are William John Thomas and Louise Mae Gerstner Thomas, originally of New Orleans. Mrs. Gorenflo's family is of Germanic descent, and her main family connections center in the City of New Orleans. Mrs. Gorenflo led a very interesting and productive life. At one time, her father, William Thomas, was Postmaster of Biloxi. Having been born circa 1904, she remembered all the main wars of this century and the stories surrounding them. During World War II, Mrs. Gorenflo was especially active in the Biloxi USO, an organization which served all U.S. servicemen of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. She also often recalled the impact the sinking of the Titanic had on her family and the community of Biloxi. Mrs. Gorenflo had the gift of story-telling and often shared her experiences and recollections of Biloxi life from the early 1900's. She particularly loved to describe the Biloxi traditions and lifestyles, and the many Mardi Gras balls and gowns she and her mother made over the years. Mrs. Gorenflo rode out many hurricanes and storms, particularly the worst hurricane to hit Biloxi, Hurricane Camille, a category 5, in her childhood and married home just off the beach on Howard Avenue. Her stories continued until her death, as her long term memories remained sharp in her mind. Biloxi, her homeland since childhood, was always at the center of devotion, and she faithfully served her beloved community. In 1991, Mrs. Gorenflo joined the First Baptist Church of Biloxi, where she became the oldest person to date Dr. Frank Gunn baptized and was an active member of the Ruth Sunday School Class. Since 1994, Mrs. Gorenflo was faithfully served by The Homebound Department, Charlotte Forsythe's Sunday School Class and other First Baptist Church members. She was a Sunday School teacher, founder, and former Board of Trustees member of The Lutheran, Evangelical and Reformed Church, Biloxi, which was originally located on the corner of Jackson and Thomas Streets. Thomas Street was named for her family. She devoted much time as a volunteer Back Bay Mission many years ago. Mrs. Gorenflo was selected as Mississippi State Mother for the Order of DeMolay in the early 1950's. Her service in this role to the young men of Biloxi and the State of Mississippi was a source of great joy in her life. Mrs. Gorenflo was a former Miss Biloxi in the early 1920's, and she was also a member and President of the Biloxi Music Club. She was known for her beautiful lyric soprano voice, and she performed throughout the community and New Orleans for years. Mrs. Gorenflo was previously Biloxi High School PTA President and served in the PTA for many years. She was a 1922 graduate of Biloxi High School. Mrs. Gorenflo was a very active member of the Biloxi Garden Club. She worked for many years for the United Gas Company and the Carl Mathis architectural firm. Mrs. Gorenflo traveled and lived extensively throughout the United States after the 1963 death of her beloved husband, whom she affectionately referred to as "My Buddy." She lived with her son, Captain Louis William Gorenflo, U.S. Navy and his family from 1963 to 1990. She lived in: Brunswick, Maine; San Diego and Monterey, California; Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania; Newport, Rhode Island; and then Vienna and Herndon, Virginia. From 1990 to 1994, she resided in her home at 311 Forrest Avenue. Mrs. Gorenflo and her husband, the late Captain Louis James Gorenflo, created and operated THE SAILFISH, the Biloxi Harbor Living Marine Tour, from 1954 to 1963. The Sailfish remains operational today and is a major Biloxi tourist attraction. Prior to 1954, Capt. and Mrs. Gorenflo founded and operated Gorenflo Boat Works, Gorenflo Charter Fishing, and the harbor tours with the initial Sailfish vessel, a converted LCVP. Mrs. Gorenflo spent the majority of her life caring for others in distress and in need. She will be sadly missed by those who survive her: son, Captain Louis W. Gorenflo (Kathy), USN (Ret.), Fairfax, Va., Ann M. Gorenflo, former daughter-in-law of East Falmouth, Ma.; sister, Mrs. Ruby Thomas Allen of St. Petersburg, Fla., grandson, CDR Mark L. Gorenflo, USN, of Seattle, Wash.; grandson, Neal R. Gorenflo of San Francisco, Calif.; grandson, Sean Gorenflo and his wife Kim of Richmond, Va.; her namesake, great-grandson Carson Marion Gorenflo; grandson, Matthew S. Lambert of Knoxville, Tenn.; and all her many cousins, nieces, nephew and friends. Her survivors also include her two dear sisters-in-law; Mrs. Wilfred Gorenflo and Mrs. Lewis Gorenflo Curtis. Mrs. Gorenflo was preceded in death by her husband, three brothers, Edward Thomas, Christian Thomas of Biloxi and Addison Thomas of Houston, Texas. The family wishes to especially acknowledge the love, care, visits, and devotion shown by Mrs. Gorenflo's nephew and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Lee, Ocean Springs; lifetime friends, Mr. and Mrs. Horace Guillotte, Sunkist, and all the staff of Quality Home Health Care, the Victory Sunday School Class; The Homebound Department and especially her unselfish and beloved caregiver, Ms. Edna Odom and all her family, Biloxi. Visitation will be from 6 to 9 p.m., Friday, April 27, 2001, at the Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-0'Keefe Funeral Homes in Biloxi. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 28, 2001, at the First Baptist Church in Biloxi. Burial will be in Southern Memorial Park Cemetery. The family requests that donations be made in memory of Mrs. Gorenflo to: The Homebound Ministry, First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 7385, Biloxi, MS 39532."
April 26, 2001 The Sun Herald
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