Memorial service held in Gulfport provides support during the holidays

GULFPORT, Miss. (WXXV) — Community members gathered at Lockett-Williams Mortuary in Gulfport on Thursday night for their 28th annual Holiday Memorial Service.

The event is hosted each year to support individuals and families grieving during the holiday season. The gathering provides a place for remembrance, connection, and compassion, reminding those in mourning that they are not alone.

“It’s important to give people access to community, because community is what lifts us up through grief. We don’t know what people are going through, who they have, who they’ve lost, and what’s important to them,” said Dr. Shelbi Bradley. “So, during the holidays, a lot of people experience sadness, emptiness, loneliness. Bringing events like this together lets them know that they’re not alone — that they have community behind them, and that there are resources available when they need to speak to someone.”

The night was filled with music, community, support, and of course, food. Each attendee was encouraged to name the loved ones they are missing, remember them, and grieve their loss in their own unique way.

Vice President Sonya Williams Barnes says the tradition started nearly three decades ago and has brought people together to share love and support every year since.

“Back in 1997, my mother decided to have a memorial service. She said that there are so many people that struggle during the holiday season. So, we have been opening our doors to the community since then. Every year, except one year with Covid, because we know how difficult it can be for people who’ve lost loved ones. So, here we are this evening, joining each other, giving everyone a space to feel however it is that they want to feel,” said Barnes.

In 2027, Lockett-Williams Mortuary will celebrate their 30th year for their annual Holiday Memorial Service. Barnes says they have a lot planned for the celebration, but they are not revealing details until closer to the date.