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Dale Kelman Obituary
She was born on August 11, 1954, to Robert Leonard and Anna Lou Wigley (nee Adams). She was raised in Memphis, TN, where she attended Frayser High School. She completed her undergraduate education at Memphis State University, a master's degree at Eastern Michigan University, and Ph.D. as a Clinical Psychologist at the University of Mississippi. Dale served her community well for decades in her clinical practice, volunteer work, and as a matriarch to her large and loving family.
She touched and will continue to touch people from all walks of life (more so than can ever be described) with her wise mind, open heart, and generous and loving nature.
She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Marty Kelman; her son, Alex Kelman (Danny Hirsch); her sisters Debbie Ellis and Anne Marie Richards; and a very big family of nieces, nephews, and extended family, all whose lives she has impacted forever.
The measure of Dale's loss in the physical world can only be surpassed by the measure of the gift of her presence in our lives and the infinite love we have for her. As a loved one recently described her: "Wise, calm, and receptive; willing to support, share, and laugh; grounded and grateful," we forever will carry her in our hearts and have gratitude for how she changed so many of our lives for the better.
Instead of flowers, gifts to honor Dale can be made to the Dale Kelman Memorial Fund in Support of the Mid-South Food Bank, at the Jewish Foundation of Memphis, 6560 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN, 38138, which will be used to support food insecure individuals across the Mid-South. Donors should write "Dale Kelman Memorial Fund" in the check memo or go online: www.jcpmemphis.org/foundation.
A celebration of Dale's life will be held on Sunday, October 9th at 4:00 p.m. at Lindenwood Christian Church where Dale was an elder and served on the board of directors.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dale Kelman
Sponsored by Canale Funeral Directors - Memphis.
Alice Gibbons
August 5, 2025
Dale was beautiful inside and out. She was my friend and I miss her.
Whit Jones
November 25, 2023
Every moment spent with Dale was amazing. Sitting in GA as my youngest just landed and headed to his duty station. Ha! They are finished with high school! I always think what would Dale say now....I can hear you my friend.
Deb
October 15, 2023
Dale had a huge bright smile, her kindness has forever touched my heart. Gone too soon, it months for the sadness to pass. I think of you often
Kathleen Manning
December 22, 2022
Dale touched my life. I will miss her so much!
Deb Little
October 20, 2022
It´s never easy to deal with death of someone that was so loved. I too was close to Dale, I loved her soul, kindness (she became like a big sister to me). Things changed in a blink of an eye when the world lost you. We thought there was more time to make the most of our friendship. I pray that God gives us the strength & courage to pass this difficult time. May her soul rest well.
Shelly Triplett (Lukas' mom)
October 10, 2022
Marty,
Lukas (McCalla) shared the news with me about your wife's passing. I'm so sorry to learn this. Praying for peace for you and your family.
Alice Gibbons
October 9, 2022
I met Dale through her husband, Marty, who played on a soccer team with my husband. After a while a group of us women formed a woman's soccer team. We had a great time and even decided to drive to Birmingham for the weekend to play in an Octoberfest Tournament. We were about twice the age of the other teams we played and lost soundly but we still had fun. Barbara Evans actually asked a girl on the other team if she would stay home the next day and send her mom. Dale was great on the field, full of energy and she was a fierce competitor. Dale and I remained friends and I'm so blessed to have known her. Dale will be missed by many including my family. Love and hugs to Marty and Alex.
Martha Heard
October 9, 2022
Dale was an unforgettable soul... She made anyone that she talked to feel that what they were saying was so important. I so enjoyed doing yoga with her every week and going to our yoga retreat in Costa Rica... she was such a bright light to be around and I will cherish the times I had with her...When I think of her, I will think of her wonderful smile and giving heart.. Rest my dear, you are with your Lord now..
Myriam Goldwin
October 9, 2022
Words fall short of expressing my sorrow for your loss. Many prayers to help you get thru this difficult time. Myriam Goldwin
Al McLean
October 9, 2022
My heartfelt sympathies, prayers and condolences to you, Marty.
Barbara and Bill McKee
October 8, 2022
God bless all of you!
Ritche and Dia Bowden
October 7, 2022
Our hearts and prayers go out to Marty, Alex and the Kelman Family.
Dale´s beautiful spirit will be missed.
Steve and Janet Baldwin
October 7, 2022
Dale was a very special person to us. We were blessed to spend many, many hours with her. She was always so pleasant and kind hearted. Friday mornings will never be the same for us. However Dale's wonderful example will continue to inspire us. Love and prayers to Marty and all family and friends.
Fred and Terry Page
October 7, 2022
We are saddened by your loss. We hope you will find comfort and strength from your family and friends
Gerry and Libby Ault
October 7, 2022
Gerry and I are so sorry for you and your family. Many prayers to help you get thru this difficult time.
Carol Johnson Dean
October 7, 2022
Our prayers are lifted for the entire Kelman family, and all that Dale contributed to our community's well-being. Her spirit will live on in our hearts. Carol Johnson Dean
Jeanne Jemison
October 7, 2022
Dale's goodness and peace was palpable. She radiated such love through her countenance, words and presence. I felt blessed to know her through yoga classes. She is greatly missed though her love and spirit remain with and in all she touched.
Joyce Lazarov
October 7, 2022
Losing Dale is a tragedy beyond description! My heartfelt sympathy to you, Marty, and family.
Pam Branham
October 7, 2022
Dale helped me immensely with her wise counsel. Her impact on my life was so important. She has touched my life and the life of so many of my friends. She will be missed terribly yet remembered so sweetly.
Larry and Sharon Colbert
October 7, 2022
To Marty and Family, we are so very sorry for your loss. Though I only met Dale once, you were immediately drawn to her positive energy. Our hearts and prayers go out to you during this of sadness.
Jason Fair
October 6, 2022
Dale was indeed a very kind soul who made the world a better place. I am deeply saddened to hear about her passing. Enjoy your rightful place in Lords eternity Dale.
We I will miss you here!
Sheila Winston Miller
October 6, 2022
Dale was very sweet and kind. To know her was to love her. Our Frayser class of 72 has lost a beloved member who will always be in our hearts. Praying precious memories bring comfort to Dale's family and friends.
Joel and Lori Giddens
October 6, 2022
Our sincere sympathy to you and your family for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Marian Drake
October 6, 2022
My heartfelt sympathy is extended to Marty and Alex. May Dale´s loving memories comfort each of you during this time of grief and beyond.
Barry Adams
October 6, 2022
Such a sweet and outgoing person. I new Dale since first grade at Denver Elementary. The world is a little sadder now.
Teresa Hagel
October 6, 2022
So sorry for your loss. We went to Frayser High School together. She always had such a sweet smile on her face and in her heart! God bless all who were blessed to be family. My thoughts and prayers are with each one. What a sweet soul!
Mike Starrett
October 6, 2022
Rest in Peace darlin
Sharon Fielder
October 6, 2022
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Dr. Judi Harrick
October 6, 2022
Sorry for our loss. Her memory will always be a blessing.
Jan Bryan Dunlap
October 6, 2022
What a Beautiful Lady inside and out. Funny, Loving, Helpful and a Smile that would just warm your heart. We had nicknames for neath other passing notes in class. That way if we got caught no one would know. Her, Bob. Mine, Rudy. Always in my Heart Dale.
Marti Patchell
October 6, 2022
Marty and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Dale's passing. A love of 43+ years will last forever.
My love and sympathy,
Marti Pritchard Patchell
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