Mildred Mcguinness

Mrs. Mildred Elizabeth Kelly McGuinness passed away on Christmas day at the Angel House of the Lower Cape Fear Hospice after an extended illness at age 91.

Mrs. McGuinness was born on March 5, 1924 in Elizbethtown to James Omer and Cora Morgan Kelly. Mrs. McGuinness enjoyed her entire life in Elizabethtown except for two years in Boston, Massachusetts.

Mrs. McGuinness graduated from Elizabethtown High School in 1942. Mrs. McGuinness married the late James Francis McGuinness, of Boston, Massachusetts. They enjoyed an extraordinary life together.

Mrs. McGuinness is survived by two sons, Michael and James Patrick, of Bladen County; two grandchildren, James and Kelly, and one brother, James Kelly of Atlanta, Georgia.

Mrs. McGuinness enjoyed her long life in Elizabethtown. After working following her education, Mrs. McGuinness became a committed homemaker where she faithfully supported her husband, sons and other family. Mrs. McGuinness enjoyed her garden and her home, which were special places for her and her family. She enjoyed cooking, reading, good people and Bill Kirby's column.

Mrs. McGuinness was an inspiring person with impeccable character. She appears to have made friends with everyone she ever met. She constantly helped family in every aspect of their lives, education, public service and work. She raised two children and also completely raised two grandchildren. Mrs. McGuinness strongly supported her husband and sons in public service work including elected service, law enforcement and justice. She helped others in her neighborhood and community.

Mrs. McGuinness was the driving force in the establishment of the McGuinness Law Firm in 1991. She supported the family law firm on a 24/7 basis for twenty four years, and inspired us with work ethic and many exemplary values. Mrs. McGuinness made a lifetime of contributions in helping others. It was a life well lived. She will be very missed.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, December 27, 2015 from 6:00 until 8:00 pm at Bladen-Gaskins Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 28, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at Whites Creek Baptist Church officiated by Rev. Al Marshburn and Rev. Kinsey Barrow. Burial will follow at Elizabethtown Cemetery.