Alma Bilbo Castleberry

Alma Lewis Bilbo Castleberry left her earthly home on January 28th, in the early hours of the morning. Descended from Revolutionary War heroes, French Huguenots, Knights Templar, and Salem Witches, Alma had Southern grace and charm that only partially masked her inner strength and will, she was a veritable force of nature. Born September 18, 1929 to Cyrus Warren Bilbo and Ida Rosetta Carroll Bilbo, she was the 9th child out of 10 to survive to adulthood. A Camellia Pageant Queen, Alma married Richard Hollis Castleberry, a Purple Heart recipient, meeting upon his return from World War Two to attend college. They were married for 67 years until his death. She shared a birthday with her great-grandson, 89 years apart. She loved her family, and never stopped expanding her education, studying accounting after graduating high school, and later returning for college-level courses when she was in her late 80s. Born during the Depression, she carried a mindful frugality throughout her life, rarely wasteful, but always with discerning taste. She was a devout Baptist, helping to raise the funds to build the church in her hometown. Alma had a commanding presence, and people looked to her for direction across a variety of organizations, including as Scout Leader, Mentor for Young Girls, President of the Garden Society, the Women’s Auxiliary, and taught braille at the prison. She was a prolific artist, a dedicated gardener, avid reader, published author, award winning culinary artist recognized by the State of Mississippi, constant student, golf champion, real estate mogul, preservationist, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Castleberry, her parents Cyrus Bilbo and Ida Carroll Bilbo, her brothers Neville “Cotton” Bilbo, Cecil Bilbo, Ray Bilbo, Dr. Jimmy Bilbo, Mary Bilbo Gilmore, Margaret Bilbo Morgan, Grace Bilbo Baughman, and her grandson Nathan Wardlow. Alma is survived by her brother Paul (Betty) Bilbo of Poplarville MS, her son Dr. Michael (Ann) Castleberry of West Point MS, daughter Judy (Tommy) Graham of Ridgeland MS; grandchildren Natalie (Brad) Harper of Calhoun LA, Ryan Wardlow of Ridgeland, MS, Nicholas (Heather) Castleberry of Brandon, MS, Sarah (Neal) Castleberry-Eike of Savannah, GA, Jackson (Michelle) Castleberry of Vienna, VA, Cary (Kirsten) Castleberry of Crystal Lake, IL, Jennifer (Derek) Hall of Madison, MS, Jessica Graham of Honeoye, NY, Grant (Elisha) Trapp and Chad Trapp of Hanover, IN; great-grandchildren Peyton (Spencer) LeJeune, Morgan Harper, Kameron Harper, Clark Castleberry, Hollis Castleberry, Faye Castleberry, Huxford Hayes Eike, India Eike, Corrine Castleberry, Cary Jett Castleberry, Leonardo Wardlow, Haley Hall, Harper Hall, Renly Dietz, Gerrit Trapp, Turner Trapp, Brady McLain, Trinity McLain; and her great-great-grandchildren, Saylor Lynn Williams and Colsen LeJeune. Family and friends are invited to attend Alma’s funeral service on Saturday, February 7, 2026 for 11:00 am at First Baptist Church of Poplarville, located at 203 S Main St, Poplarville, Mississippi. Burial will follow in Poplarville City Cemetery.

And when the Angel of Death finds me,

I hope it whispers,

“Come now the fight is done,”

And takes my hand gently,

Like an old friend

Who understands

Why I’m so tired

I hope it says

“You’ve carried enough

Let me hold this weight for you”

I hope it promises,

“Here there is quiet.

“Here you can rest.”

-Unknown Author