Hildred K. McLellan

Hildred K. McLellan, age 96, a longtime resident of Biloxi, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 4, 2016 in Ocean Springs. She was born on December 17, 1919 in Duck Hill, MS the only daughter of W.L. and Mettie Kirk. She married the late Sam R. McLellan, Jr. of Winona, MS, Mothers’ Day, 1940. After his service in World War II, they moved to Biloxi. Hildred was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Biloxi beginning in 1947, where she pioneered the early education of preschool children and was instrumental in establishing the First Baptist Church Kindergarten. In her second career, she was employed in the hospitality industry at the Buena Vista Hotel for more than 20 years. She is survived by her son, Samuel Kirk McLellan (Karen), of Biloxi and her daughter, Cindy M. Stewart (Ric), also of Biloxi, and eight grandchildren: Caprice, Scott, Chad, Sherri, Aimee, Collette, Amy, and Ashley, and 17 great grandchildren. Funeral service will be 12:30 pm on Thursday, April 7, 2016 in the Chapel of Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home on Howard Avenue, Biloxi. Visitation is from 11:30 am until 12:30 pm. Graveside service is at 1:30 pm, Biloxi National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Second Mile Ministry, First Baptist Church, Biloxi. Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com