Irene P. Kelly

Mrs. Irene P. Kelly of 1600 Bluewater Terrace, Chester, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, Sept. 5, 2010, at John Randolph Medical Center.

Momma Kelly, as she is known by many was born on Aug. 4, 1919, in Brunswick County, to the late Jennie B. Harris and the late Junius Patillo.

She confessed Christ at an early age, later moved to Hopewell, where she met and married the late Wilbur S. Kelly and together they had 12 children. Surviving is her oldest daughter Jessie Lee Peterson (Leroy) of Hopewell, Va., and her youngest son, Dr. Bishop Jerry M. Kelly (Dr. Brenda) of Chester, Va.

Mrs. Kelly was a dedicated member of The Order of The Eastern Star, Lilly of The Valley #44. She was also employed at the Army/Air Force Exchange Service at Fort Lee, Va., for 21 years before retiring. She loved and served faithfully for many years at Friendship Baptist Church as head of the Usher Board, until her health started to decline. She later joined Antioch Christian Center Church in support of her son, Bishop Jerry M. Kelly and daughter-in-law Pastor Brenda C. Kelly, founders and pastors.

Momma Kelly was loved by everyone she came in contact with, that was just her type of caring spirit. She was always concerned about the children and when you were in her presence she definitely had an encouraging word for you. She had several friends that would call to check on her and you know who you are, you were dear to her heart and she would speak of them often.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her daughter, Jessie; and her son, Jerry; devoted daughters-in-law, Rosetta Jones and Martha Kelly; 26 grandchildren; 68 great-grandchildren; 31 great-great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews; cousins; other relatives; friends; and dedicated caregiver, Fatina Little.

A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, 2010, at Friendship Baptist Church, Hopewell, with the Dr. Carl Johnson, pastor, officiating. The interment will be in the Appomattox Cemetery, Hopewell. The family will assemble 10 a.m. at the residence, Meadowville Landing, 1600 Bluewater Terrace, Chester.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the staff of Turner-Bland Funeral Home, Hopewell; William N. Bland Jr. funeral director.

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