Mrs. Leire Evette Kelly

A celebration of life service for Mrs. Leire Evette Kelly will be held on Saturday March 1, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Exciting Faith Alive, 5705 E. 32nd Avenue, Tampa, Florida, Overseer Dr. Antonio R. Hawkins, Senior Pastor with Dr. Jeffery J. Johnson, Officiating.  There will be a viewing on Friday February 28, 2025, at Wilson Funeral Home, 3000 N. 29th Street, Tampa, Florida from 3:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Mrs. Leire Evette Kelly was born on July 27, 1962, to the parentage of Ruby Cobb and Joseph Pete in Los Angeles, California. Evette attended church and gave her life to Christ at an early age. She received her education from the local school system and graduated in 1980 from Emmanuel Arts High School in Los Angeles, California.  Shortly afterward, she moved to Thonotosassa, FL, with her young son, where she made Florida her new home, later moving to Lakeland, FL.

Evette married Willie Kelly, and to this union, they had three children. She was employed by Tampa International Airport Parking for a number of years before moving to Verizon, where she worked for over 30 years before retiring due to health issues. Evette never met a stranger, always attracting people with her friendly and loving smile. She loved spending time with her family and friends and watching her cooking shows. On February 17, 2025, the Lord called His faithful child to come home and take her rest.

She was preceded in death by her grandmother and grandfather, Laura and George Cobb; mother, Ruby Cobb; father, Joseph Pete; aunt, Margaret Williams (who raised her); aunts, Christane Lewis, Eva Shirley, Ida Mae French, and Doris Gilbert; uncles, Fred Cobb, Leroy Cobb, George Cobb and Aurthur Cobb. 

Mrs. Kelly leaves fond memories with her children, Jamell Reed (Tolani), Corey Kelly (Tenisa), Sharnae Kelly, Derik Kelly, Willie Kelly-Bray (Adrian), Steven Kelly, Rolena Washington, Carlton Kelly (Rachel); 18 grandchildren; a host of great-grandchildren; sister/cousin, Lynette Darrell; spouse/great friend, Willie Kelly Jr.; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other family and friends.