Marie Charlene Hager Kelly

Marie Charlene Hager Kelly, age 79, of Gulfport, MS passed away Saturday, June 21, 2014. Charlene was a graduate of Gulfport High School. She attended the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, MS, and Gulf Park College for Women, Gulfport, MS. Charlene was a Licensed Real Estate Agent, Property Manager and bookkeeper. After retiring Charlene was an advocate for Senior Care and Housing issues, testifying at many public hearings at the Mississippi Council on Aging and the Mississippi Regional Housing Authority. Charlene will be remembered for her unwavering positive attitude, quick wit, straight forward honesty, and her ability to always smile through life's adversities. She leaves an example to all who knew her of how to be truly present in each day, one of not dwelling in the past or future. She will be fondly remembered by her family and friends as having been a constant source of humor, generosity, and entertainment and also for her sweet, sweet heart. Charlene is preceded in death by her parents, Charles E Hager and Marie D Hager of Gulfport, Ms; sister, Carol Wainwright of Jackson, MS; sister, Alice Conn of Austin, TX; and brother, James Robert Williams of Lafayette, LA. Survivors include her brother, George Williams of Terry, MS; sister, JoAnne Massenburg of Dallas, TX; daughter, Shannon Kelly Arzola (Octavio Arzola) of New Orleans, LA; son, Charles “Chuck” Hager Kelly, of Gulfport, MS; daughter, Shavonne Kelly King, of Pass Christian, MS; grandchildren, Lindsey Hurlbut of Pensacola, FL, Dylan Drake of Gulfport, MS, Charlie Kelly of Gulfport, Ms, Madeline Drake of Pass Christian, MS, Molly King of Biloxi, MS, and Claire Kelly of Gulfport, MS; and three great grandchildren. The family would like to thank Grace Healthcare, Memorial Hospital Stroke Rehabilitation Program, Gentiva Hospice, and a big warm thank you to the staff of The Boyington Nursing Care Facility of Gulfport, MS. In Lieu of flowers, the family would like to ask friends and family to make a donation in the name of Marie Charlene Hager Kelly to Lynn Meadows Discovery Center in Gulfport, MS, 246 Dolan Ave, Gulfport, MS, US, 39507. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 28, 2014 at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport. Friends may visit from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.