Jocelyn Cecelia Martin

Jocelyn Cecelia Martin, age 75, of Biloxi, passed away Wednesday, May 29, 2013. Jocelyn graduated from Ridgeley High School in Ridgeley, WV in 1956 and was homecoming queen her senior year. She graduated in 1959 from King’s Daughters Hospital School of Nursing, Martinsburg, WV. She immediately began her nursing career at the Naval Hospital in New York City then moved to Holy Cross Hospital until her retirement in 2003 after her 44 year career as a Registered Nurse. Jocelyn moved to Ocean Springs, MS due to her love of the sea, the sand, the sun and the seafood- especially the Blue Crabs. She began working at Gulf Hills Hotel in March, 2005. Jocelyn was one of 7 hotel staff members who not only braved Hurricane Katrina at the hotel that year, but worked tirelessly to accommodate and comfort all those who took refuge at the hotel during and after the storm. She worked at Gulf hills until her second retirement in Fall 2010. She loved Mardi Gras, Christmas and Caribbean Cruises. She was an avid Redskin fan and supported the makers of Bud Lite and loved crabs. Jocelyn previously took many fun road trips to the beach in Ocean City, MD, Daytona Beach, Disney World, and the Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia with her brother’s family. She also spent many memorable times with her cousin, Joann, whom she went to Nursing School with and worked alongside during their time together at Holy Cross. She will be sadly missed by her family, numerous friends and furry buddies, Katie Brown, Chevy and Cat. Jocelyn is preceded in death by her father, Edward Martin; mother, Mary Barley; and husband, Joe Barley. Survivors include her brother, Joseph L. Barley and his wife, Joslynne who live in Waynesboro, PA; niece, Kelly J. Arnold and her husband, T.J.; and very special nephew, Nathan Barley. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of South Mississippi 2615 25th Avenue, Gulfport, MS 39501, 228-863-3354. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 4, 2013 at Gulf Hills Hotel. The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.