Connie Fay Varner Kelley

On October 9, 1947 Connie Fay Varner Kelley was born to Henry and Maudie Varner in Pelahatchie, MS. She was a 1965 Brandon High School graduate where she was 1st and 2nd chair flute in the famous Bulldog band. She graduated from Hinds Jr. College in 1967. On August 5, 1967 she married Thomas Ray Kelley. They lived in a variety of places before settling on the Varner Homestead in Pelahatchie. Her career working for the Military Entrance Processing Station as the Head of Command’s Secretary began in January 1977 and led to retirement in October 2007. Prior she was employed at South Central Bell South, American Red Cross at Veteran’s Affairs, and School of Nursing UMC. She had a love of God, family, and country. She was an avid reader, note taker, and fan of music, Particularly George Strait and Elvis.

Mrs. Kelley was a devoted member of Cross Roads Baptist Church serving as youth leader, Sunday school and training union teacher, and choir member before her illness. Mrs. Kelley was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Maudie Varner, and sister, Shirley Varner Graham. She leaves behind her husband Thomas Ray Kelley, daughter Kristi Kelley Gray (Brad), grandchildren Victoria Allen (Quin) and Derrick Scales (Erin), great grandchildren Cheyenne Scales, Rhett Allen, Reeves Allen, John Thomas Scales, and Colt Scales, sister-in-law Debbie Thrash (Gary), and a host of nieces, nephews, and a whole lot of loving cousins.

Special thanks to Nickie Shoemaker, Valerie Bowman Lantrip, Kathy Varner French, and Accent Hospice Care.