Louise Kernolde Gay Box

BOX   Louise Kernodle Gay Box, 93, born November 22, 1916 in Tibbee, MS, to a pioneer Mississippi family died February 20, 2010 at a local health care facility. She had a strong love for her native state and its people. She spent her youth overseeing land and crops with her father Richard Hamilton Kernodle, and was known as “Little Hamp” and as “the prettiest little girl in the county-O.” Her mother was LeRona Virginia Prowell whose family was among the first settlers of Lowdnes County. Louise became an accomplished horsewoman showing her beloved “Talk of the Town” in area horse shows.   She married her first love James B. Gay (Lt. Col. US Army.) at Mississippi State College (University). They operated a jewelry business in Starkville, MS for many years; she then traveled with him during his military career. She later married James E. “Papa” Box and resided at Cleary Lake, near Jackson, MS. Their great joy for many years was entertaining family, friends and friends of friends at their home at any hour day or night. She never tired of treating “company” to her southern gourmet dishes and hospitality.   For many years she resided in Biloxi near her beloved niece Louise Mayburn. Her last years were spent at Fairhope(AL) Health and Rehabilitation where she was cared for by the loving staff, especially Gayle and JoAnn; and she kept them on their toes! God bless them all. Her mind and wit were keen to the end. Despite poor eyesight and hearing and eating disorders, she was always ready to go to Panini Pete’s for lunch, enjoying the crowd and banter with the staff.   She could still recite “The Shooting of Sam McGhee” and other favorite poems to the delight of all. “The Lady known as Lou” will be sorely missed by her children, Jo Ann McPhearson (Merrill), LeRona Louise Hammett (Emory)  and James Bryant Gay Rebel (Carol Virginia Gay); her grandchildren, Carrie, Allen, Laura, Shellie, Bryant, David, Ellen, Box, John, Sallie, Bush, Marty, and Stacy; and great grandchildren, Hamilton, Harrison, Elliot, Connor, Mitch, Emi, Michael, Chloe, Tiernan, Box , Ike , Alex, Josephine, Michael, Brenden, Emma, Savanna, Gideon, Gibson, and Gavin.   ARRANGEMENTS  BY WOLFE-BAYVIEW FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORY, INC. 19698 GREENO RD. FAIRHOPE, AL  36532