Barbara Jean Keegan Felder

Following a recent fall, Barbara Jean Keegan Felder, age 82, of Gulfport, MS went to be with the Lord on February 9, 2024. 

 Barbara was born in Pascagoula on August 14, 1941. She and her brother grew up in Biloxi. Barbara graduated from Biloxi High School and then attended Touro Nursing College in New Orleans, LA. She worked as a Home Health Nurse for 25 years. In 1966, Barbara married Jerry Tate Felder. Together, they traveled the world from Panama to Alaska to the Caribbean and even Korea. They celebrated 47 years of marriage together. Barbara was a member of St. Peter’s by the Sea Episcopal Church for many years. She also participated in the Mardi Gras Gemini Krewe, the Lions Club International, and the Red Hat Ladies. In her life, Barbara was the recipient of the Lions Club Melvin Jones Award.

 Barbara was a caring woman who always sought to help the people she loved. Her caring nature led to her love of nursing. She had an affinity for all things lighthouse related and was an avid listener of audio books. She enjoyed outings with her friends, Margaret Baine and Shirley Ladner. Barbara was an incredibly strong woman who enjoyed the fullness of life with the immense love, care, and dedication from her family.

Barbara is proceeded in death by her parents, Frank and Gertie Keegan and husband, Jerry Felder. 

She is survived by her daughters, Debbie Gambill of Gulfport and Kathy VanderKooy (Steve) of Ocean Springs; step-daughter, Vicki McArthur of Gulfport; and step-son, David Felder (Donna) of Gulfport. She is also survived by her brother, Lee Keegan (Connie); grandchildren, Wesley McArthur, Johnathan Gambill, and Ashley and Aaron VanderKooy; and many nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends.

A service will be held on Friday, February 16 2024 at St. Peter’s by the Sea Episcopal Church with visitation from 10:00 am until 11:00 am, followed by a service at 11:00 am. Interment will follow the service at Southern Memorial Park in Biloxi. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15^th Street, Gulfport is honored to serve the Felder family. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Peter’s by the Sea Episcopal Church, 1909 15th Street, Gulfport, MS 39501 or Lions of Mississippi Sight Foundation, 431 Katherine Drive, Flowood, MS 39232.