Nola Jane Beninati

Nola Jane Beninati, at 69 years young, has jumped the turnstiles to enter the great peaceful thrift store in heaven. Never in a hurry, but always wanting to be on time, she gave all to the very end to her loving family: husband- Brian, her children- David, Martin, Chris and Angel, her sister and brother- Anita McNaron and Phil Oehms, three daughters-in-law, eight grandchildren, two great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and such oh, and her dog Buddy.

Miss Jane was born and bred in Biloxi, Miss., a more true southern soul there never was. Preceded in death by her mother, Gladys Lyons and her father Stanley Oehms, growing up barefoot amongst her family and multitude of aunts, uncles and cousins insured a true Biloxi spirit that guided her the rest of her days. Meeting Brian Beninati, an Airman out of Keesler AFB allowed a legendary love to blossom and bloom in early 1961 and 52 years later they remained entwined, amused and devoted to each other. Moving with her new and growing brood to Alabama, Kentucky, southern Illinois and finally back home to Biloxi had put her deep above the line but totally in sync with her time.

Educating herself with some of the greatest books of all time and her own natural-born horse sense made her a true character. Her professional forays into the record business (MCA record distributing, Pinckneyville, Ill.) and other assembly line sorts of payroll not only made her pass on her own work ethic by example to her children, but also made her generous beyond repair to everyone who knew her. She never met a Chinese buffet she didn't like. Her soul was always rich, her humor deep and insightful, her laughter was brilliant and principles heartfelt. Her family was proud to breathe the same air. A former member of churches of both Lutheran and Methodist persuasions, a voraciously reading student of history and philosophy, a cook of exceptional measure, a mother and wife of cosmic proportions, Miss Jane died at home in the arms of her loving family Friday, Dec. 27, 2013. A comet has lost its tail.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial for her Wednesday, Jan. 1 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Road in Gulfport, MS 39503. Tributes may be offered at www.riemannfamily.com