Miriam J. Gray

Miriam Josephine “Mimi” Gray, 91, of Diamondhead, MS passed away on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 in Gulfport.

Mimi was born on August 21, 1933 in Nutley, New Jersey to Thomas and Doris Giangerelli.  She graduated from the New Jersey School of Nursing in 1954; 30 years later, she went on to obtain her Master’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi; ten years later she reached her goal of earning her PhD. She was a member of the Lions Club, Lighthouse Business and Professional Women and was named Keesler Air Force Base Civilian of the Year for her work in the Medical Center. 

After graduating with her bachelor’s degree, Miriam began her long career in nursing. Traveling the world with her Air Force husband, Dan, and her 5 children in tow, the family settled down in Gulfport. Dan continued his service at Keesler Air Force Base. Miriam worked at numerous facilities on the Coast, in various nursing roles such as Director of Nursing at Garden Park Hospital, the Biloxi VA, home health nursing, and then as the Infection control nurse at KAFB. Her work on infection control led her publishing in the journals and serving as a charter of the American Practitioners of Infection Control. She traveled with Surgeon General C. Everett Koop on an ambassador trip to China. After yet another move, this time to Florida, she continued nursing and attained her PhD. She began her own consultancy, Suncoast Health Educators, for safety, quality, and infection control education and training.  Until age 75, Miriam continued working toward improving peoples health through education and compassionate services.

Her hobbies were crochet, ceramics and sewing and she was nicknamed Gypsy Mom because she loved to galivant, especially with her mother and daughters. She always said family: her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren meant the most to her. Miriam’s favorite quote was, “We are created after the image of God, let us take care not to dishonor that likeness.” She lived each day to honor our likeness with His image; by being kind, pleasant, gentle, and compassionate. 

Miriam was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Daniel S. Gray and her siblings Doris Marr and Thomas Giangerelli, Jr. 

She is survived by her children, Daniel T. Gray (Mary) of Myakka City, FL; David L. Gray (Sherry) of Gulfport, MS, Kevin A. Gray (Lisa) of San Diego, CA, Lauri J. Belew (Tony) of Gulfport, MS and Susan M. Gray of Diamondhead, MS; her grandchildren, Christopher J. Gray (Lauren) and Kiley M. Gray (Tyler), both of St. Pete, FL; Austin H. Gray of Houston, TX and Emily E. Gray, of Los Angeles, CA; great grandchildren Tucker S. Gray, Eastyn M. Gray and Clark A. Burford; sibling, Richard Giangerelli (Mary Ann) of Herndon, VA and her loving and faithful canine companion Max.

The family would like to thank the healthcare providers and her extended family and friends for the love, support and laughter provided through the years.

Visitation will be Monday, December 16, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. followed by a service at 12:00 p.m. at Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home, 1726 15th Street, Gulfport, MS. Interment will be in Floral Hills Memorial Gardens in Gulfport, MS.

Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport, is honored to serve the family of Miriam Gray.