Burnice Marie Rasmussen

Mrs. Burnice Marie Powell Rasmussen, age 89, of Vancleave, MS, died Tuesday, December 29, 2009 in Ocean Springs, MS. Burnice was born August 20, 1920 to Safronia Gardner Powell and Evander B. Powell in Harrison County, MS. At a young age she came with her family to live in Moss Point, MS where she attended school, met and married William H. Rasmussen, her husband of 71 years. Burnice and William raised their family of six children in Moss Point and then in Gautier, MS. When her health declined, they moved to Vancleave, MS to live near their daughter. Burnice was an active member of the United Methodist Church and held memberships in Dantzler Memorial UMC and Gautier UMC. She is a lifetime member of the United Methodist Women and was the Church delegate to the Annual Conference representing Gautier UMC for several years. She worked diligently to aid her church and served on several Boards and committees over the years. She was one of the original "Pie Ladies" of Gautier UMC and was well known for her talents and faithful attendance. Burnice was also active in community efforts. She was a member and Past Matron of Anna O'Neill chapter of the Eastern Star, Moss Point, MS for over 50 years. During her active time she also served as Mother Advisor for the Order of Rainbow Girls Chapter in Moss Point. She was "Room Mother" for numerous classes in the Moss Point Schools that her children attended. After moving to Gautier, she also became active in the Gautier Civitan Club, Jackson County Homemakers Group of Gautier, and the Gautier Garden Club. She worked several years for the City of Moss Point as a billing clerk for the Utility Department. She also served as Church Secretary for Gautier UMC. Burnice was preceded in death by her parents; an infant son, William Lloyd Rasmussen; Brothers, Lloyd E. Powell, William T. Powell, and Ernest P. Powell; Sisters, Myrtis Powell and Viola B. Powell Goff; Grandson, Caz Adrian Wyatt; and Daughter-in-law, Janet Pol Rasmussen. Survivors are her husband, William Hoyer Rasmussen; three sons, Robert L. "Bill" Rasmussen of Seabrook, TX, Thomas H. (Shirley) Rasmussen of Grand Bay, AL, and Richard C. (Carolyn) Rasmussen of Gautier, MS; three daughters, Juanita D. (Michael) Howard, Elizabeth A. (Carl) Wyatt both of Vancleave, and Donna M. (Robert) Wells of Ft. Payne, AL. Her memory will be cherished by nineteen Grandchildren and eighteen Great-Grandchildren, Carl (Carrie) Wyatt, Jr., Elijah and Carly, Vancleave, MS; Con (Ashley) Wyatt, Caz, Hurley, MS; Olivia Wells, Sanzin, Gautier, MS; Scott Wells, Teigen, Ocean Springs, MS; Keely (Bobby) Moe, Kristofer and Bryan, Vancleave, MS; Kristina (CDR Vincent) Scott, Jacob and Shelby, Tampa, FL; Michael (Anastasia) Howard, Dubai; Lt. Wesley (Memorie) Howard, Wyatt and Miller, Charleston, SC; Denise (John) Ringer, Gabrielle, Alexandra, and Ethan, Mechanicsville, VA; Thomas (Kimberly) Rasmussen, II, Dane and Ryen, Atlanta, GA; Eric R. Rasmussen, St. Augustine, FL; Jennifer (Tim) Lindsey, Tanner and Quinn, Atlanta, GA; Richard "Ric" (Michelle) Rasmussen, Gautier, MS; Jessica Rasmussen, Gautier, MS; Laura Martin, Orlando, FL; Guy Martin, Gautier, MS; William L. "Billy" Rasmussen, Seabrook, TX; Shelley R. Rasmussen, Seabrook, TX; Stefanie (Darryl) Toungate, Ashley and Tyler, Seabrook, TX. Burnice also had a great fondness for a very special niece, Ms. Nancy Goff, and a long time friend, Mrs. Eve Devereaux. Services will be held at 3:00 PM, Saturday, January 2, 2010, from the Chapel of Holder Wells Funeral Home in Moss Point, MS. Visitation will be held for 1 hour prior to the service starting at 2:00 PM. Interment will be at Griffin Cemetery in Moss Point. Officiating will be Rev. M.L. McCormick and Rev. James Salter. Pallbearers will be the sons and sons-in-law of Mrs. Rasmussen; honorary pallbearers will be her Grandsons. In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be made to Gautier United Methodist Church, Gautier, MS. Arrangements by Holder-Wells Funeral Home, Moss Point, MS.

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Burnice Marie Rasmussen

August 20, 1920 - December 29, 2009