Ulala Fortner

Ulala "Gigi" Bagwell Fortner, a woman of tireless hands and unwavering spirit, passed peacefully on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. At the age of 95 years, 2 weeks, and 1 day, she departed in the loving presence of her living son, Harold Lloyd Kelley.

Born in New Albany, Mississippi on March 10, 1930 to Wiley Van Bagwell and Mary Ethel Gray Bagwell, she was the second to youngest of eight children. This position shaped her values of responsibility and family.

From a young age, Ulala's hands were never idle. Helping on the farm in her childhood; meticulously hand stitching intricate embroidery on formal gowns; plucking weeds and tilling soil from her home flowerbed; flipping cards over during a game of solitaire; or diligently counting the cash till of Albertson's, Seessel's, or Schnucks, her life's a testament to dedication and skill. The aromas of her holiday spaghetti or chili and handcrafted chocolate candies are embedded into the memory of all who had the privilege of sharing them.

Ulala's life was marked by both profound joy and immense sorrow. She bore the weight of burying her beloved parents and, with a strength that defied comprehension, she also outlived her oldest son (James Alton Kelley), and all seven of her siblings (Curtis, Mayes, Mary Lou, O'Liter, Juanita, Travis, and Vance). She lost her last sibling, her baby sister, a little over a year ago. Through these trials, Ulala's resilience and quiet fortitude remained her defining characteristics.

She approached life with a practical grace, finding solace and purpose in daily tasks. After her second, or third, retirement, she spent her remaining 15 years caring for her great-grandchildren. Her legacy's one of hard work, quiet determination, and the enduring beauty of a life well-lived.

However, her great-grandchildren are truly the jewels of her legacy.

Ulala's memory will be cherished by her living son (Harold Lloyd Kelley), nieces, nephews, grandchildren (Kevin Lloyd {Laura} Kelley, Jonathan Lloyd {Kelsey} Kelley, Rachel Lynn Stimpson, and Jessica Lynn Kelley), and great-grandchildren (Chase Carter, Bryson Stimpson, Anakin Stimpson, and Caitlin Kelley), who'll forever remember her gentle smile, quiet laugh, and capable hands.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 28, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Glenfield Funeral Home in New Albany, MS. A Celebration of Life service to follow at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA), in remembrance of Ulala's generous and no nonsense spirit.

Glenfield Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the care and arrangements of Mrs. Fortner and her family.