Geraldine "Gerrie" James Guyse

Gerrie Guyse was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on January 31, 1939. She was raised and educated in Baton Rouge, where she graduated from Capital Avenue Junior & Senior High School. Following her graduation, Gerrie moved to Berkeley, California, to assist her aunt and uncle in caring for their infant daughter, Fay. While living in California, she also pursued additional coursework at Holy Names College in Oakland.

During her early years of marriage and motherhood, Gerrie worked at Bank of America in San Francisco. She later transitioned into the healthcare field, serving as a medical office manager for an orthopedic surgeon, a role she held until her retirement. After retiring, she and her husband, Robert Guyse, relocated to Tylertown, Mississippi. Following Robert’s passing, Gerrie moved to Abita Springs, Louisiana, where she lived with her sister.

Although not affiliated with a specific religious denomination, Gerrie embraced Christianity. She and Robert often worshipped at the chapel at Keesler Air Force Base. In later years, as her health declined, she continued to worship from home, faithfully watching Gaither’s Gospel Hour, a program she and Robert cherished.

Gerrie was an avid sports enthusiast, particularly fond of football and basketball. A true animal lover, she adored her pets—both cats and dogs. While raising her children, she also cared for a wide variety of animals including rabbits, squirrels, hamsters, and turtles. In her later years in Tylertown, she delighted in feeding treats to the neighborhood cows, horses, and even llamas.

Gerrie was preceded in death by her parents, Herman James and Carrie Jackson; her beloved husband, Robert Guyse; her son, Benjamin Williams; her sisters, Lillian Gage and Emelda James; and her cherished nephew, Sammuel Gage.

She is survived by her daughters, Robin Guyse and Romy Guyse; her devoted sister and caregiver, Joyce Preston; and her grandchildren, Travis Williams and Shayne Williams. Gerrie also leaves behind a loving extended family, including nieces and nephews Stevie Gage, Shawn Gage, Saundra Gage, and Susan Gage; as well as numerous great-nieces, great-nephews, dear friends, and many others who will continue to treasure her memory.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until 11:00 am on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at Grace Funeral Home (450 Holy Trinity Drive, Covington). Her Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am at Grace Funeral Home with burial to follow at Biloxi National Cemetery.

Grace Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.