Genevieve Skrmetta Creel

Genevieve Cecilia Skrmetta Creel, passed away Sunday, November 29, 2015. She was born on May 27, 1939, to Peter and Louvinia Skrmetta at the old Biloxi Hospital on Beach Boulevard. Genevieve graduated from Sacred Heart All Girls High School in 1957. She married her high school sweetheart, Francis Wayne Creel on December 28, 1958 and began a family. She chose to be at home with her children until they were of school age. She began her 35-year working career in the Harrison County Tax Collector’s office in 1974. After retirement she worked with her brother, Peter Skrmetta and nephews for Ship Island Excursions. Genevieve was a lifetime resident of Biloxi and a member of Blessed Seelos Catholic Church. She was proud of her Croatian Heritage and was a member of the Slavonian Ladies Auxiliary where she was elected 2016 President, also serving as past Vice-President and past Treasurer. Genevieve was honored by being nominated as Mother of the Year. Genevieve spent her whole life giving to everyone, especially to those who were in the most need. She did this without question, and it always came from the heart. She was never too tired or too busy to lend a helping hand. Many years ago, she started her own Meals on Wheels as she would make her rounds to the elderly and sick in her neighborhood. She had a zest for life enjoying every moment with her non-stop energy, her beautiful smile, sweet laughter and her positive outlook. She was the rock and foundation of her family and will be greatly missed by her loving husband, children and grandchildren. In our lives many people come and go, all impacting us differently. Genevieve was always one to show up, do the work, and lead by example of how to be a better human being. Her legacy will live on because of the love, compassion and values that she instilled in all of us. Because of her kind and giving spirit we know that she jumped right into Heaven and immediately asked God for a job to do. As she waits for an answer, she will take it upon herself to start welcoming others in, moving things around and organize the festivities. We know she is celebrating with her family and friends, having a highball “with a twist” with her brother Jimmie, laughing with her sisters and jitterbugging across heaven to the tunes of Elvis. She was preceded in death by her parents, Peter Martin Skrmetta and Louvinia Saput Skrmetta; sisters, Manda Langlinais, Parina Bills, Mary Skrmetta and Catherine Schwark ; brother, Jimmie Skrmetta, daughter, Sarah Ann Creel and a granddaughter, Kara Ann Currie. Genevieve is survived by her husband of 58 years, Francis Wayne Creel; daughters, Mary Martha (Will) Rogers; Adonna Currie, Mary Frances (Joel) Newbaker; son, Wayne “Junior” Creel; brother, Peter (Jacqueline) Skrmetta and sister, Dorothy Skrmetta; grandchildren, Nathan (Brittany) Newbaker, Kacee Currie, Kristi Currie, Brandon (Madisyn) Newbaker, Kathryn Newbaker, Kyle Currie and Noah Rogers; great-grandchildren, Hunter Newbaker and Paityn Newbaker; and many friends and family whom she loved and cared for. The family would like to thank all the nurses and physicians, especially Dr. Simeone, for their compassionate care. Services will be held Thursday, December 3, 2015 at 12:00pm at Blessed Seelos Catholic Church, formerly St. John’s. Friends may visit from 10:00 to 12:00pm. Burial to follow at Biloxi City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Back Bay Mission 1012 Division St, Biloxi 39530, (228) 432-0301 or any local food bank. Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home, Howard Avenue Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Cherished memories and condolences may be shared at www.bradfordokeefe.com.