Celebrating the Life and Legacy of

Rosa “Puggy” Charles Kelly

     On September 4, 1946, God blessed the union of Rogers and Celestine Charles with the birth of a beautiful daughter, Rosa Charles, affectionately known to family and friends as "Puggy." Born in Jennings, Louisiana, Rosa's life would become a beautiful testament to faith, love, service, and unwavering devotion to her family.

     At an early age, Puggy accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and became a faithful member of St. Paul Baptist Church in Jennings, Louisiana, under the leadership of Reverend John Wilkerson. Her love for the Lord remained the foundation of her life and guided her every step.

     Puggy was Homecoming Queen and graduated from Jennings High School (formerly Jefferson Davis High School) with the Class of 1964. Following graduation, she attended Grambling State University. During the summer of 1966, while visiting family in Hitchcock, Texas, she met the love of her life and soon to be husband. Their love story blossomed quickly, and six months later, she married her forever love Warren G. Kelly on January 21, 1967. Together they built a loving home and were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Sharonda and Keisha, who became the pride and joy of their lives.

     After relocating to Texas City, Rosa and her family became dedicated members of Greater Barbour's Chapel Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend H. A. Ratcliff. A faithful servant of God, she served diligently on the Mission Board, sang in the Church Choir, and supported numerous ministries throughout the church. In recognition of her faithful service and Christian commitment, she was ordained as a Deaconess during Reverend Ratcliff's administration.

     Rosa was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and caring homemaker whose greatest joy was caring for her family. She was known for speaking her mind with honesty, yet everyone who knew her recognized the enormous love she carried in her heart. She was always present for her daughters, volunteering at their schools and supporting them in every season of life. Her nurturing spirit, warm smile, and generous heart left an unforgettable impression on all who knew her.

     Following her husband's retirement in 1995, Rosa embraced the opportunity to travel extensively with him, creating treasured memories across the country. She was an active member of the Texas Sojourners RV Club, Texas Rollers RV Club, Pioneers RV Club, and the National African American RVers Association (NAARVA). Through these organizations, she formed lifelong friendships while enjoying the adventures she and her husband shared together.

     On Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 1:43 p.m., Rosa peacefully answered her Master's call and entered into eternal rest.

     She was preceded in death by her beloved soulmate and husband Warren G. Kelly; her parents, Rogers and Celestine Charles; her siblings, Ruthie Mae Perkins (Paul), Veatta Cornelious (Joseph), Constance Savoie, Rogers Charles, and Rogena Pete; her mother- and father-in-law, Smith Henry, Sr. and Bessie Kelly; her brother- and sister-in-law, Margaret Loud, Smith Henry Kelly, Jr.; and her nephews, Joseph “Nookie” Cornelious III, Wilbert Loud, Jr., and Anthony Loud.

     Rosa leaves to cherish her precious memories and celebrate her remarkable legacy: her loving daughters, Sharonda Kelly-Word (Jason) and Keisha Kelly; her cherished grandchildren, Carmen White, Carnell White, III, Jaden Rollins, and Cambree McCuin; her great grand children, Laiyla White and Carnell White, IV; her brother-in-law, James Savoie; her sisters-in-law, Diane Charles, LaWanna Kelly Cannon, and Mary Aldridge (Lonnie); her beloved godchildren, Denita Odell and Derrick Perkins; her devoted friends, Bea Reily Martin, and Lavella "Betty West" Doucette; a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were forever enriched by her love.

     Though Rosa's earthly journey has ended, her legacy of faith, kindness, compassion, and unconditional love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. Puggy's memory will forever remain a guiding light, reminding us that a life lived in service to God and love for family is a life truly well lived.