Kelli Michele Sowles

Kelli Michele (James) Sowles, 55, of Picayune, MS., left this world way too soon, on January 28, 2024, at Highland Community Hospital in Picayune. Kelli was born on April 25, 1968, in Gulfport, MS to her parents John W. and Margaret Elizabeth (Garland) James, Sr. Kelli graduated from Harrison Central High School, class of 1986. Growing up, Kelli loved playing softball and spending her time with her best friend and partner in crime, Neecy. If Kelli was a flame, then Neecy was the fuel and together they made memories, the kind that always ended with belly laughing until it hurt! But make no mistake, you definitely wanted Kelli on your side in any butt-kicking contest! She was wild, loud, and easily the life of any party! Kelli prided herself in caregiving, and she was the best at what she did. From taking care of her momma and Cedo, to literally putting any and everyone's needs before her own, Kelli was one of a kind and simply had the biggest heart and most loving nature to those she loved fiercely. Family was most important to Kelli! Her talent in the kitchen was a staple at any family get together and NOBODY'S red beans, gumbo, potato salad, crab pasta, chicken and dumplings, chicken and rice, and of course her buffet of breakfast foods on any given morning, will come close to topping the love and dedication she put into each dish that brought her family and friends together. Kelli was a best friend to her brothers, she was the rose between two thorns, and not one of her momma's pots didn't have a dent in it from hitting Robert in the head after Johnny told her too. They were inseparable and she was invincible! Aside from being in the kitchen, Kelli loved to ride four wheelers, fish out front, and get sun kissed on the beach. Her love for the Kansas City Chiefs went unmatched and she LOVED seeing her "boyfriend" Patrick Mahomes sling that ball down the field. If you knew Kelli, then you also knew that she loved her son, Steven, and took pride in growing up raising him. Not once calling you by your given name, Kelli had a nickname for everybody she loved. Hearing those nicknames and looking into her beautiful green eyes will be missed and forever cherished by all who knew and loved her. Kelli is preceded in death by her father, John W. James, Sr.; her Maternal Grandparents, Murphy and Margaret Garland; and her Paternal Grandparents, Artie R. and Lela (Netto) James. Left to cherish the wonderful memories she leaves them with, her son Steven Sowles, Jr. of Gulfport; her mother and stepfather, Margaret (Pat "Cedo") Rizzo of Gulfport; her sister and best friend Janene "Neecy" (Chris) King of Gulfport; her brothers Johnny (Patti) James of Picayune, Robert (Cathy) James of Gulfport, and Aaron (Christina) James of Saucier; her two nieces Hali (Tim) Martino of Saucier, and Lexi James of Biloxi; her Aunt Melinda and Uncle Scott Simon of Gulfport; her Uncle Michael (Avis) Garland of Gulfport; her boyfriend, Keith (Duck) Baughman of Picayune; her best friend of 41 years, Tina "Tee Tee" (Will) Massel of Slidell, LA.; and her four-legged baby, Chief. Kelli leaves a legacy of numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends whom she loved. Kelli's wishes, which she made known, were to be cremated, and her family will honor her wishes. Services for Kelli will be held Friday, February 2, 2024, at Trinity Funeral Services in McHenry, MS, beginning at 1:30 PM for a memorial visitation and a funeral service at 2:30 PM. Kelli will be interred at McHenry Gardens Cemetery next to her daddy, directly following her service. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Sowles/James family during this difficult time and would ask that you remember her entire family in your thoughts and prayers over the coming days.
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