105 year old Biloxi legend needs your help!

Alice Simon Neal is one of the Pillars of our Biloxi Community. Our Aunt Alice will be 105 years old and is the last of the nine children of Joe and Catherine Simon. Biloxi natives will remember her brother Sie Simon’s night club “Sie’s Place” that hosted so many famous acts including Hank Williams and Elvis Presley. In the 1950s Aunt Alice owned and operated the Ritz Cafe on Division St. in Biloxi. As a pioneer of the Pressed Po Boys, Aunt Alice worked hard cooking and serving the best Beef Po Boys, along with her many home-cooked meals. Later in the late 60s Aunt Alice had a popular Snowball Stand with happy customers loving her homemade syrup to top the famous snowball with fluffy ice like snow. Her most important jobs were serving and cooking for others, including her family, children, grandchildren, and her siblings for many years through her 90s. Her brother, Charlie Simon, looked forward to the meals she delivered every day for lunch at the farm. She has been so generous to others her entire life that she has no savings. Now in her frailty, being on a walker, she needs help.

Two adult grandchildren have been her caretakers in her home for the past five years. Because of her blood work, Aunt Alice spent a week in Merit Health Hospital in August 2023. She is now better physically but needed Rehab. Then in rehab in the Pillars Community, she has gained strength in therapy and is better with the loving care of the staff.

Because her insurance is Medicare and Medicaid, she is now limited to 90 days in the Pillars Rehab. Her monthly income is Social Security of about $1,000. Aunt Alice lives in a modest home built in the 1970s, but the house has been poorly maintained with having limited income. The house only has window AC units. All she wants is to return home and spend the rest of her days in her own place. It is her only wish. The house really needs repairs and upgrades in so many areas for it to be livable for someone her age.

Aunt Alice is so sharp, and her memory is so untarnished by age. She surprises everyone with her wit and humor. Even though she is using a walker, she has an independent spirit. People fall in love with her easily as her charm is contagious. She is an amazing woman who tells everyone the secret to a long life is “Love and Respect”.

Please help us make her last wish come true and return to her home.