Zelma Jackson Gollott

1938 - 2025

Zelma Jackson Gollott

September 1, 1938 - November 30, 2025

Biloxi, Mississippi - It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved wife and mother. Zelma Jackson Gollott, age 87, of Biloxi, MS, passed away on Sunday, November 30, 2025 at her home in Biloxi surrounded by her family.

Born in Ocean Springs, MS, on September 1, 1938, to Katie Quave Jackson and Irvin William Jackson, Jr., Zelma lived a life defined by love, devotion, and service.

She graduated from Biloxi High School in 1956, having spent her junior year at Vancleave High School, where she was a cheerleader and crowned Homecoming Queen. Shortly after graduation, she married the love of her life, Thomas A. Gollott, on September 2, 1956. Together they shared 69 years of marriage, building a family and a legacy rooted in faith, loyalty, and commitment.

A woman of many talents, Zelma was a devoted homemaker who also excelled as an architect, comptroller, investigator, and the finest chef and gardener. Her creativity and dedication enriched the lives of everyone around her. She played a crucial role in supporting her husband's political career and all his endeavors, standing as his steadfast partner through decades of public service.

She was a faithful member of St. Michael Catholic Church in Biloxi and gave her time generously as a volunteer at St. Vincent de Paul Pharmacy. Her devotion to her community reflected her deep compassion and desire to help others. Zelma will be remembered for her strength, grace, and unwavering love for her family. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched and the example she set of a life well-lived.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Katie Quave Jackson and Irvin William Jackson, Jr.; and her brother, Irvin William Jackson III.

Zelma's survivors include her husband, Senator Thomas A. Gollott; her children, Tanya Gollott Swoope (Burton), Lisa Gollott Lane ( Eric) and Jennifer Gollott Burke (Greg); her grandchildren, Patrick Lyons (Kimberly), Thomas Lyons (Claire), Field Swoope (Cassie), Carrie Swoope Martin (Bobby), Tyler Lane (Ananda), Ashton Lane Duhon (Jonathan), Reagan Burke Spengler (Sam), Mallory Burke Wilson (Mitch) and Anna Kate Burke Bowen (Bryson); 14 great-grandchildren; her sister, Kathy Jackson Benezue; and numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Pharmacy or to St. Michael Catholic Church.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Michael Catholic Church on Thursday, December 4, 2025 at 11 am. Friends may visit from 9 am to the Mass time. Entombment will follow at Southern Memorial Park.

Pall bearers will be Patrick Lyons, Thomas Lyons, Tyler Lane, Sam Spengler, Mitch Wilson, Bryson Bowen, Burton C. Swoope, Jr. and Jonathan Duhon.

The family wishes to express a special thank you to Dr. Paul Pavlov, Dorothy Dunning, Gloria Kostmayer and all the staff of Saad Healthcare in D'Iberville MS. All of her precious caretakers who loved her so much-Francine Sances, Angelle Carbone, Pam Bentz and Catherine McKellar.

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Zelma Jackson Gollott.