Patricia “Patty” Reid Caranna
Patricia “Patty” Reid Caranna, of Biloxi, peacefully passed from this life Oct. 13, 2023, in Gulfport. She was 77 years old. Funeral services were held Oct. 17 at Popps Ferry Baptist Church in Biloxi, followed by interment at Biloxi National Cemetery.
Patty was born Nov. 26, 1945, to Joseph Clifford “J.C.” Reid and Josie Miller Reid, of the Robinwood community in Lawrence County. She was a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Monticello during her younger years in Lawrence County. Patty, a member of the Beta Club and Latin Club, graduated from Monticello High School in 1963. She continued her education at Southwest Mississippi Junior College, then pursued an education degree at the University of Southern Mississippi. Upon earning her degree, Patty moved to Biloxi and began her teaching career in the English department at Biloxi High School. A beloved teacher, she encouraged but challenged her students and inspired several future writers. Patty retired in June of 1997, after 30 years of teaching at Biloxi High School.
Patty married John Joseph Caranna in 1971, and they made their home together in Biloxi until his death 35 years later. John and Patty enjoyed traveling in their motorhome, boating to the Bahamas, making toys known as “Caranimals,” and serving in many civic organizations and church committees.
Patty made a meaningful difference in the lives of children as a volunteer for CASA of Harrison County. She was an active member of The Mississippi Lambda Chapter of the Alpha Delta Kappa sorority, an international honorary organization for women educators. She participated in the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church. She was also honored to be one of the first recipients of The Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching.
Needlepoint, basket weaving, making homemade bread, bargain shopping, cooking, reading, dining out (fried catfish was her favorite), and visiting family and friends were just a few of her varied interests and hobbies. Purple was her favorite color.
Patty was so very special. Her generosity of spirit, cheerfulness in all weathers, laughter, and big hugs will be greatly missed. She loved fiercely and she was loved deeply by her family, many friends, neighbors, and her church family of Popps Ferry Baptist Church in Biloxi. She was a blessing to all who knew her.
Patty is survived by her brothers, Miller (Dorothy) Reid, of Brandon, and Donald T. (Dianne) Reid, of Monticello; sister-in-law, Eleanor Brister Reid, of Tilton; nephews, Cliff Reid and Miller David Reid; nieces, Lisa Reid O’Rourke, Rebecca Reid Graves, Rachel Reid Bost, and Christa Reid Neal; great-nephews, Reid Graves, Kyle Graves, and Cody Bost; great-nieces, Sally O’Rourke and Taylor Bost; two great-great-nephews, Bradley Graves and Ryder Graves; and special friend of the family, Bobbie Thompson.
She is also survived by her husband John’s family: sons, James “Phillip” (Elizabeth “Liz”) Caranna, of Gulfport, and Dennis (Jane) Caranna, of Brandon; grandchildren, Dominic Caranna and Lisa Caranna (Rhett) Brown (and their mother Carolyn Kowalski Caranna, of Pass Christian), and Amber Caranna (Eric) Munden (and her mother Mary Gosa Caranna, of Raymond); and great-grandchildren, Leo Caranna, Cooper Brown, Anna Noel Munden, and Ada Munden.
Patty was preceded in death by her parents; husband, John Joseph Caranna; brother, Jerry Clifford Reid; son, John “Joey” Caranna; and nephew, Kevin Reid.
Long ago, Patty professed her faith in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She is now rejoicing in her heavenly home. We will see our precious “GiGi,” “My Patty,” aunt, sister, friend, and neighbor again. Though we will miss her, we will remember her with joy in our heart. Peace be with you all.
