Joelean Ann Guice, 83, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 21, 2010 in Ocean Springs, Miss., while surrounded by loved ones.

  Mrs. Guice was the daughter of Mr. Andrew Reese Hornsby and Mrs. Sadie Virginia Hornsby.  Joelean Guice was a lifelong resident of the Mississippi Gulf Coast and a loyal member of the First Presbyterian Church of Ocean Springs.

  “Jo” or “Jo-Jo”, as she was affectionately known, was a loving and devoted wife of 63 years to her late husband, Jacob D. Guice, as well as a caring and compassionate mother, grandmother, aunt and friend.  Her quick wit, unique sense of humor, and strong moral compass provided guidance and counsel to many over the years.  Jo had a fondness for children and animals – she had an unusual way of communicating with both and enjoyed the loyalty and warmth of this powerful bond her entire life.  

  Jo possessed a distinctive knowledge of and passion for antiques and collectibles, and was a meaningful supporter of local arts.  She contributed anonymously to many important Gulf Coast collections in the name of historic preservation. 

  Joelean Guice was preceded in death by: her parents; her brothers, Thomas Hornsby and Andrew Hornsby; and her husband, Jake.

  Joelean Guice is survived by: her brothers, Roger Hornsby (Louise) and Jerry Hornsby (Pat); and her four children, William L. Guice III (Gayla), Jacob D. Guice, Jr. (Fay), Virginia Guice Clark (Charles), and Lee Dicks Guice.  Jo is also survived by her grandchildren, William L. Guice IV (Patti), Nathan T. Guice (Missy), Lee Dicks Clark (Matthew Pilcher), Virginia Ann Clark, Charles C. Clark, Jr. and Monique D. Guice along with five great-grandchildren.  Jo is further survived by her longtime friend and caregiver, Doretha Howard Smith.

  Visitation will be on Tuesday, November 23, 2010, from 12 p.m. until 1 p.m., with a 1 p.m. church service, all at the First Presbyterian Church in Ocean Springs.  Burial will follow in Biloxi City Cemetery.

  In lieu of flowers the family prefers donations be made to one of the following: First Presbyterian Church of Ocean Springs, 921 Ocean Avenue, Ocean Springs, MS 39564; the Jacob D. Guice Scholarship Fund: c/o Tulane University, P.O. Box 61075, New Orleans, LA 70161, the Walter Anderson Museum of Art: 510 Washington Avenue, Ocean Springs, MS 39564; or The Ohr –O’Keefe Museum of Art: 1596 Glen Swetman St., Biloxi, MS 39530.

  The Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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