Kelley Bearden Jamieson

Kelley Joan (Bearden) Jamieson passed away on May 11 at Doctor's Hospital in Sarasota, FL. after a five-month struggle with multiple health complications. She was 67.

Kelley, who always exuded optimism and a cheery spirit despite many challenges, is deeply missed by her family and friends. Her giggle and her kisses that always left a lipstick stain will never be forgotten.

Survivors include sisters Michelle Bearden (Pat Farnan) of Tampa, FL., Leslie Bailey (Mark) of Parrish, FL., and Stephanie Slaybaugh (Tony) of Denver, CO. She also is survived by nieces Casey and Natalie Slaybaugh, nephew Jake Slaybaugh, grandchildren Angie Hernandez and Mason Shirley, several aunts and uncles, and many cousins.

Her son, Kevin Wesley Jamieson, and parents Wes Bearden and Barbara Newcomer, preceded her in death.

Kelley was born in Detroit on Jan. 7, 1957. She grew up in Birmingham, Mich., where she attended Groves High School. For several years, Kelley was a military wife, and often said that was one of her happiest times. She and her then-husband lived in Anchorage, Alaska, and Panama City, Fl. After leaving the Air Force, the couple moved to San Diego, CA, with the help of her Uncle Wes and Aunt Bev Hinkle, who were a big support system to their niece. Kelley balanced motherhood with working in several office jobs. She moved to Florida after her divorce, reuniting with most of her family. She worked for GTE and AAA, and also assisted in caregiving for her mother.

Family and friends were Kelley's passion. She also was a huge fan of anything Disney, Harry Potter and Bradley Cooper, as well as the Detroit Lions and Detroit Tigers. She and her best friend Sandy Murphy were supporters of Classroom on Wheels and Ship-to-Shore programs, visiting many local attractions.

Kelley's knowledge of horse racing can be credited to her Aunt Bonnie and Uncle Bob Holthus, who hosted her in Louisiana and Kentucky to visit the tracks where Bob worked as one of the country's top trainers. She attended horse races and at Derby time, she knew the history of every horse in the competition. Kelley's devotion to the movies was legendary, as was her annual Oscars night with Leslie and Mark Bailey. That was a highlight for her every year. She came prepared with her scorecards and her knowledge of the nominees. She also was a devoted fan of Dancing with the Stars, keeping a running log of all the contestants over many seasons.

Kelley's deep Christian faith kept her centered throughout the many obstacles she faced in her life. She leaned on the Bible and prayer. Though she participated in several denominations over the years from the Catholic Church to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she found her faith home at Church of the Palms in Sarasota. The church provided Kelley with compassionate and emotional support during her multiple hospitalizations.

A memorial service in Kelley's honor will be held July 11 at 11 a.m. in the chapel at Church of the Palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Rd., Sarasota, followed by a reception in the clubhouse at Village Brooks Condominiums, 3247 S. Beneva Rd., Sarasota. The family will have a private burial service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Stephen Ministries at Church of the Palms, or to an animal shelter or rescue group of your choice.