Mary Ophelia Kelley

Mary Ophelia Kelley, of Charlottesville, died at her home Sunday, April 16, 2017.

Born September 28, 1928 in Charlottesville, she was the daughter of Wallace and Lottie Payne and was the wife of the late Raleigh Crawford Kelley, Sr.

She is survived by her children, Joan E. Kelley, Joyce A. Mallory and spouse Albert Mallory, Raleigh C. Kelley, Jr. and spouse Sarah; grandchildren, Raleigh Stallworth and spouse Amanda, Sorna R. Kelley, Sylvia M. Zajic, Keli N. Pryor, Arthur E. Gousby, III and spouse Claudia; great grandchildren, Aidan C. Zajic, and Alana D. Zajic; and siblings, Lloyd Brown and spouse Margaret and Sarah Paige.

Mary Kelley was passionate about her God, passionate about her family, and passionate about her friends.

She was an avid Bible reader and loved sharing her love of the Bible and Jehovah God with others.

A memorial service will be conducted 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 25, 2017 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovahs Witnesses, 665 Old Lynchburg Road, Charlottesville.

Farewell, Dear Mother

Somewhere in my heart beneath all my grief and pain,

Is a smile I still wear at the sound of your dear name?

The precious word is ‘MOTHER’; she was my world you see,

But now my heart is breaking cause she’s no longer here with me.

I know that from her labors, she at last is free.

And that she's in the very best place, in God's memory.

When I think of her kind heart and all those loving years,

My memories surround me and I can’t hold back the tears.

She truly was my best friend, someone I could confide in,

She always had a tender touch and a warm and gentle grin.

I want to thank you Mother for teaching me so well,

And though the time has come that I must bid you this farewell.

I’ll remember all you’ve taught me and make you proud you’ll see.

Thank you my Dear Mother for all the love you showed me.

Although you’ve left this moment, and no longer in my sight

In my heart you are here with me each morning, noon and night.