Jean Holgate-Weems

Jean Holgate-Weems, born in Romford, Essex, England on February 17, 1936, and a longtime resident of Biloxi, Mississippi, passed away at the age of 89 on June 18, 2025.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Florence Holgate; her brothers and sister, Harry, Dennis, and Margaret; her beloved husband, Buell “Rip” Weems, to whom she was married for 55 years; and her daughter, Melinda “Lindy” Weems-Buchanan Dyal.

Jean is survived by her three children, Michael and wife, Karen Weems, Martin and former wife, Angela Weems, and Michelle and husband, Martin “Marty” Fountain Sr. She is also survived by her 13 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren—each of whom carries forward her legacy of kindness, resilience, and love.

After moving to the United States from England in 1958 to start her life with Rip, Jean welcomed each chapter with an open heart. Jean spent many years working at Gayfers in the bridal and junior miss department, where her elegance and attention to detail left a lasting impression on coworkers and customers alike. She found joy in the outdoors—gardening, camping, and traveling to new places. Family was always at the center of her world where she showed her love through the meals she cooked, the comfort she gave, and the time she spent with those she cared for.

A memorial service will be held to celebrate Jean’s life at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home on Pass Road in Biloxi on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Visitation will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., followed by the service at 10:00 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery.

As we say goodbye to our Mom and Nanny, we take comfort in knowing that she is now reunited with those she loved and missed so dearly. May her soul rest in eternal peace, and may her memory continue to bring warmth to all the lives she touched.

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Jean Holgate-Weems.