Duchess Gussie Mae Sandifer Camper was born December 9, 1931, to the late Jessie Sandifer and Cedonia Hollins Sandifer of Pinola, Mississippi. The oldest of six children, Gussie Mae helped her parents work the farm and attended Pilgrim Rest School as much as she could. She married the late Wardell Camper in 1952 and lived in New Orleans, Louisiana until her death.

Duchess, as we fondly called her, is survived by eight children: Charles (Leatrice) Tales of Mendenhall, Mississippi, Vivian (Newton) Slaughter of Houston, Texas, James Camper, Isaac Camper, Linda (Cecil) Washington, Michael Camper, Stevie (Lisa) Camper and Harold Camper, Sr., all of New Orleans, Louisiana; and one sister, Betty Jean Gray of Mendenhall, Mississippi. She is also survived by grandchildren: Tonya Weatherall, Casandasa Washington, Lavelle Camper, Latoyamarie Camper, Cory Washington, Paul Mason, Jr., Raquel Camper, Harold Camper, Jr., and Rashad.

Duchess was preceded in death by two sisters, Earlene Sandifer and Rosie Lee Newsome; two brothers, Otha Sandifer and Robert Sandifer; and one daughter, Grace Delores Camper.