Shirley J. Kelso

Shirley Josephine Kelso entered eternal rest on April 11, 2026, at the age of 92, surrounded by loving family. She was born on October 28, 1933, to James Kelso and Vivian Kelso Parent. Shirley was a lifelong resident of the Crescent City and an avid Saints fan. She was graduated from St. James Major High School where she participated in numerous sports and several city championship teams. Shirley worked for 42 years at Black + Decker Tools, serving thousands of customers. She prided herself on her attention to detail and outstanding customer service. She is predeceased by her sister, Erie Parent Lanier (Eugene), her brother, Beauregard Jean Parent, Jr., her niece, Vicki Lanier Crouch and grandniece, Jenessa Guillory. She is survived by her brother, Clifford William Parent and sisters in law, Betty Parent and Elizabeth Parent. Shirley is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, including Dayle Lanier Guillory, Vance Lanier, Lisa Parent Hickey, Christine Parent Smith, Colette Parent Raphel, Jean Edward Parent and Nicole Parent Bonck. Holding a very special place in her heart were numerous grandnieces and grandnephews, including Bucky and Jesse Crouch, Sean and Micah Lanier, Ryan and Jordan Hickey, Erich and Conrad Smith, Elliot Raphel, and Christian Bonck. Shirley had a fierce desire to live independently as long as she could, and that would not have been possible without the incredible support of her loving neighbors on Dahlia St, to whom we are incredibly grateful. We will miss you, Shirley Joe, may you rest in peace! Friends and family are invited to attend a funeral mass at Lake Lawn Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124 on Thursday, April 16th at 2 pm with visitation starting at 1 pm. Interment will follow at Metairie Cemetery.