Mary Kelley

A TIME TO BE BORN: Sister Mary Swan Kelley was born on January 13, 1922 along with her identical twin sister who preceded her in death, Martha Swan Madison, to the late Robert and Leona Swan. She confessed hope in Christ at an early age and joined Antioch Missionary Baptist Church where she remained a member until her death. A TIME TO PLANT AND A TIME TO SOW: She was a homemaker and enjoyed cooking, quilting, taking care of her children and grandchildren, and traveling. She was very proud in assisting the community by feeding the hungry and enjoyed visiting the sick. A TIME TO LOVE: She was united in holy matrimony to the late Brother Willie Kelley. To this union, twelve children were born. The testimony of their love for each other was evidenced during their marriage. A TIME TO DIE: After seventeen years of illness, God, who does all things well, saw fit in His infinite wisdom, mercy and justice, to call unto Himself, His own. Sister Kelley made her transition from earth to heaven on Saturday, December 25, 2010. A TIME TO MOURN: To cherish her memories and continue her legacy are: seven sons, Hudson (Bernice) Kelley, Hawthorne, CA, Morris (Josephine) Kelley, Madison Kelley both of Bessemer, AL, Alonzo (Joann) Kelley, Inglewood, CA, Jessie (LeeEthel) Kelley, Midfield, AL, Raymond (Joyce) Kelley, Los Angeles, CA, Patrick (Patrice) Kelley, Hawthorne, CA; four daughters, Mary Samuel, Bessemer, AL, Carolyn (William) Fisher, Pleasant Grove, AL, Barbara (David) Bell and Gloria Kelley both of Bessemer, AL daughter-in-law, Detrise Kelley, Birmingham, AL; two brothers, Jimmie Swan, Detroit, Michigan, Alphonso Ellis, Bessemer, Alabama; sister, Swanee (Phillip) Edmonds, Bessemer, Alabama; 30 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; goddaughter, Arneda Johnson, Detroit, Michigan; godson, Gregory Wilkerson, Fairfield, Alabama; godsister, Mildred Allison, Cleveland, Ohio; two sisters-in-law, Mary C. Kelley, Bessemer, Alabama and Viola Kelley, Atlanta, Georgia; and a host of neices and nephews. A TIME TO CRY: Sister Kelley was preceded in death by her husband, Willie Kelley; parents, Robert and Leona Swan; daughter, Betty Jean Kelley; adopted grandson, Anthony Kelley; grandson, Roderick Kelley; great-granddaughter, Daija Kelley; and nine sisters and brothers.