Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Herman Kelly Obituary
"Kelly" as he was affectionately called by many, was a product of the Pittsylvania County Public Schools, a graduate of John Tyler Community College with a degree in mortuary science and recently completed his studies at Virginia State Univesity receiving his B.A. degree. He began his occupation in funeral service at Miller Funeral Home in Gretna, Va. He was a licensed funeral director and embalmer. Herman later relocated to Petersburg where he made remarkable, positive and long lasting imprints on the lives of families that he served in the Tri-Cities area while employed as the "chief embalmer" at William N. Bland & Son Funeral Home/Turner Bland Funeral Home. Herman C. Kelly Sr. was a skilled, gifted, compassionate and profound embalmer who dedicated his life for over 15 years in preparing the deceased so that loved ones might have that last heart warming remembrance of their family member. He was an unselfish individual and gave to those whom he knew as well as those he did not know.
Herman was a member of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., Epsilon Nu Delta Mortuary Fraternity and Southside Funeral Directors Association.
He leaves to cherish his memory: a wife, Sonya Myers Kelly; one son, Master Herman C. Kelly Jr.; two daughters, Tyler and Amber Covington, all of Altavista, Va.; six sisters, Millicent K. Whitehead (Lee) and Valerie K. Hairston, both of Chatham, Ramona Holmes (James) of Fort Pierce, Fla., Rosamary Witcher (David) of Lynchburg, Va., Joarnell Jefferys (Bernard) of Danville, Va., and Bethora Pounds of Providence, N.C.; one brother, Percell Kelly (Joann) of Chatham; two uncles, Master J. Womack of Chatham and William Younger of Blairs, Va.; eight aunts, Maynell Kelly, Mary Barksdale, Carolyn Dodson, all of Chatham, Alberta Hairston, Lelia Younger, both of Blairs; Lois Petty, Almeda Griffin, Gracie Womack, all of Danville, and Doris Womack of Washington, D.C.; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Elder John H. and Alma Myers of Altavista; sister-in-law, Lazonia Clark (Nathan) of UAE; two brothers-in-law, John Myers Jr. (Jennie) of Florida and Don Myers of Altavista; a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, cousins, other relatives and friends, among them, a devoted nephew, Kelly Cornelius Jefferys, a niece, Kelita Adams, a great-niece, DeAnis Manjuan Dudley (Roderick); two devoted cousins, Doris Hadnett (Charles) and Michelle D. Gunter (Tommy).
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 21, 2007, at Miller Funeral Home, Gretna, with the Rev. Herbert Holly II, pastor of Oak Grove Baptist Church, Chesterfield County, Va., officiating.
Professional services provided by Miller Funeral Home, Gretna, Jack Miller, funeral director, (434) 656-1243.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Herman Kelly
Mabel Echols Dixon
August 2, 2007
To the Herman Kelly Family (Ramona)
So sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you and your family. Ramona I still remember you talking about "Button" during our Chatham High School days.
Thank God for the wonderful Christian man he grew up to be. God is truly our present help in our time of need and He comforts us.
Love & Blessings,
Mabel (Echols) Dixon
Chris Evans
July 22, 2007
To the family of Mr. Herman C. Kelly;
A hear of gold stopped beating;
two gleaming are at rest;
God broke our hearts to prove that he only takes the BEST.!.! I had the chance to meet and work with Herman at Bland's. Truly a great person has left this world. What a professional he was. He will be missed by all. You're in my prayers.
Klinton K. Anselm
July 21, 2007
To the Family of Mr. Herman Kelly..
Truly one of the most respected men that i have had the honor to meet has departed this earth, and looks down from heaven. I met Mr Kelly when i had to attend the passing of my best friend. I have yet to meet such a professional as Mr Kelly. I ask, that all who knew MR Kelly, that they champion to see that Mr. Kelly legacy of caring and consideration for his fellow kind those not go unnoticed. Truly we have loss a Gentle Giant of a man. I send my heartfelt condolence to the Kelly family.
Carlesta Kirby
July 20, 2007
To the family you all are in my prayers im very sorry for your lost . please dont look at this death as a sad thing. It's a celabration of life.to Enter the gates of haven. May God be all of you at this time and through out.
Nathan Clark
July 20, 2007
A well respected man. One that I wish I would have invested more time knowing. Some people have an aura of regalness about them that you can't help but respect. Herman will be missed."Rest Sigma Man Rest" May God Bless the Kelly Family.
RAPF HILL
July 20, 2007
WILL MISS YOU MY FRIEND. WE HAD SOME GREAT TIMES,WITH LOVE TO YOUR FAMILY.YOU WILL BE REMEMBERED.
Shamika Edwards
July 20, 2007
yOU WILL BE SADLY MISSED.
Mr. and Mrs Roderick R. Goode, Sr.
July 20, 2007
To the Family of Herman Kelly. . . A wonderful young man entered our son's life a few years back. Our son is Roderick R. Goode, Jr . . . This wonderful young man was Herman Kelly. These two young men bonded for a lifetime. They even referred to each other as "Brother." We watched them evolve from boys to men. Together they became the "professional masters" of their skill. We witnessed a wonderful relationship that was boldly sustained through many trials and tribulations. We are grateful for the many fond memories that Herman has left our family. We extend to you our deepest sympathy.
Steven & Veronica Davis
July 18, 2007
To The Kelly Family:
Our deepest condolences to your family. Our hearts are with you at this difficult time. Herman(Button) as we know him will be missed dearly. May God comfort you and heal your broken hearts.
Debbie Jefferson
July 18, 2007
It's hard to find words of comfort during a time like this. Kelly (as I called him) will be soarly missed. Take comfort in knowing that he has a place in the upper room. Now he can begin his new passage with a god that has never left nor forsaken him. With deepest sympathy.
Lisa Creighton
July 18, 2007
To the Kelly family I am so sorry to hear of your lost I met Herman in 1990 at John Tyler we became friends very nice fellow that will truly be missed. I will keep you all in my prayers God bless.
Tony Thweatt
July 18, 2007
To the family of the late Herman C. Kelly Sr.
Herman was to me a roommate, brother, and most of all a close friend. We shared great times together and he will be deeply missed. Herman lived a life that we all can be proud of, and even at a time like this he teaches us an important lesson, live everyday as if it is your last, and that you don't take life or those close to you for granted. Herman has pass on this true, but he will never be forgotten by me or my family. So may gods grace and tender mercy continue to strengthen you and keep you until that great day when we all meet again in that wonderful place he has prepared.
May God Bless You,
Tony & Michelle Thweatt and family
Nina Greene(Greene FH)
July 18, 2007
Needless to say, I was one of Herman's many friends - to say he will be missed is just not adequate. There is a void, not to be filled yet I am sure each has memories as I do, that will replace tears with smiles & laughter - for Herman could bring that to any situation.
HCK - look up Sam Cook and sing a duet for my Mom - she would love to hang out with you up there. Keep her company for me until we can all party together !!
Mercy the motive - Grace the gift!
Put GOD 1st & you'll see Herman again.
Deidra Crews
July 17, 2007
To the Kelly family: I was a high school classmate and friend of Herman's. I am deeply saddened by his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tonya J. Balthrop&Family
July 17, 2007
To the Kelly family, May God be with you all during this time. Herman was a great man and will be deeply missed. Our family will keep you in our prayers.
Lakeysha Wilkerson
July 17, 2007
To the Kelly family,
I just want to say that Herman will be truly missed. And that this family will be in my prayers.
God Bless!!!!
Teresa (resa) Browder
July 17, 2007
herman was always there for me and my family doing times such as this, it sadden my heart greatly to hear of his death. I will also remember his advice for times like this, "try now to focus and to take care of those that are suffering the lost of a loved one, because the ones who have passed on to be with God are no longer suffering."
Hattie Bonner
July 17, 2007
To the Kelly Family
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Thomas Epps
July 17, 2007
We'll find the place
Which God for us prepared
Far away, in the West
Where none shall come
To hurt of make afraid
There the saints, will be blessed
We'll make the air, with music ring,
Shout praises to, our god and king,
Above the rest these words we'll tell
All is well! All is well!
Another Sigma has gone to be with the Lord. I pray that his earthly cause has become his heavenly cause and it will continue to speed on its way!
Rest in the arms of Jesus.
GOMAB
Rho Tau Chapter, George Mason University
Spring 2007
Eric and Sherry Mapp
July 17, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Esther Brown-Walker
July 17, 2007
To the Family:
Herman, and I were classmates at Virginia State University. We graduated in 2006. He was a wonderful man. Herman, had an effectious smile and a great personality. Herman always had something positive to say. Herman was a great inspiration to me. I will truly miss him. I will keep the Kelly Family in my prayers. May God be with you in your time of need.
Eric and Sherry Mapp
July 17, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Jeff Carter
July 17, 2007
To the Kelly family, may the peace & comfort of God's spirit be with each of you in your time of sorrow. You are in my prayers.
Robert Truly
July 17, 2007
To the Herman Family,
I want to send my deepest condolences to the your family. Herman was, and still is family to us. He will be truly missed, and now he has larger wings than he had when he was here in our presence. My god bless you all, and you will stay in our prayers!
Paula Tucker
July 16, 2007
Herman Kelly was a wonderful, kind man. He always knew the right verbiage to say to keep a smile on someone else's face. Please know that Herman's life will always live on in our hearts-he was the joy of any sorrowful day-he made the rainy days feel like joy falling from heaven. Herman made sure everyone around him-was happy and he kept things in prospective at all times. He will never be missed because his spirit will always be in my heart. What a joy to be around! At this moment know that Herman would be smiling-advising us to stop crying and be full of joy my race is won and I am resting in the arms of God!
Paula A. Tucker
Chesterfield, Virignia
Tracy Gray
July 16, 2007
Just remember in the days ahead that God has not left or forsaken you. He just came for one of his own. Herman was always happy and joyful. God loves you and so does.
KIM waller/beasley
July 16, 2007
TO Anthony i no at this time you are so hurt BECAUSE WHEN WE SAW YOU WE SAW HERMAN JUST KEEP YOUR HEAD UP IN JUST TRY TO DO THE BEST YOU CAN BY HIS SON HERMAN JR IF YOU NEED US CALL
DEACON WAYNE@RENEE TALLEY
July 16, 2007
MY FRIEND YOU WILL BE SADLY MISSED, BUT WELL REMEMBER, FOR GOD REMEMBERS ALL OF US. WE LOVE YOU.
Crystal Jefferson
July 16, 2007
To the family of the late Herman C. Kelly
At a time like this it's so hard to know just what to say.
For I know that you're hurting in a very painful way.
Please know that you are not alone; you are in my thoughts and prayers and know that there are many who feels for you and cares.
Just know that Herman is now gone home to a better place where he has seen the Lord above and the light from his sweet grace.
So, just know that your pain will fade away along with all the tears. And you will once again smile and share the good memories of him from past years.
Herman will be greatly missed.
Moskella Henderson
July 16, 2007
Herman, you will be sadly missed. Your kind heart and gentle personlity opened my families heart to a friend,play brother and son. To the family of Herman, we will keep you in our prays.
Love
Ms. Ethel Bellamy and Moskella Henderson
Sharon Johnson-Hillman
July 16, 2007
To the Kelly family. You are in my prayers. Put all your trust in the Lord. Jo take care and God Bless. Please call when you get a chance.
Paula
July 16, 2007
To the Kelly Family:
May you find peace and comfort during your time of sorrow in knowing that Herman's life on earth was not in vain. Herman's life here
earned him his angelic wings. I thank God for blessing my life with the presence of Herman. I share in your sorrow and my prayers are with you daily.
Renee' Jones
July 16, 2007
I would like to extend my sympathies to the Kelly family. Herman and I became great friends when I began attending Va State. He and his great group of friends (Rodney, Bernard, Pam, Dot, etc.) took me under their wing and looked out for me. I will always be forever greatful to Herman for posing as a big brother to me, even though we were only a year apart. He and all the guys from Bland Funeral Home provided outstanding funeral services when my cousin was murdered in Petersburg.
Herman was a genuine, loving, and giving person. I feel as though I've lost a brother. We love him, but God loves him more.
Continuing to pray,
Renee' Jones
carla ferguson
July 16, 2007
To the Kelly family,
With deepest sympathy, we will all miss Herman. The Johnson family.
Joyce Carter-Miller
July 15, 2007
To The Kelly Family (Rosemary),
I am very sorry to hear of the passing of your brother. May you find peace and comfort in knowing that we too will miss Herman and remember his smiling face. When you feel sad remember the good times and the laughs that you shared and treasure them. God is with you all and I will keep you all in my prayers. Sadly submitted
John W. Piercy, III.
July 15, 2007
To the Kelly family, may your hearts be at ease during this time of sorrow. We have lost a good friend in Herman, but know that he is at peace with the LORD. We now have an angel to watch over us, and we will keep this family in prayer.
Jackie McG
July 15, 2007
My deepest sympathy to The Kelly Family. My God bless you in your time of sorrow.
Herman was a good and respectful man. I will never forget to wonderful smile.
Roxie Short (Crawford)
July 15, 2007
To say the least this is a very terrible shock! Herman or as he was known around our house as "Straw hat" you will greatly be missed by all. Our last talk in Walmart was funny as every other encounter. Herman I will miss you and I'm sure you will keep them laughing in heaven. RIP my friend!
Michelle Greene-Brown
July 15, 2007
A friendly face that will be missed
yvette hill
July 15, 2007
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2007
ANGELA,TAEQUAN,ANDREA KATES
July 15, 2007
MAY GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY IN THIS TIME OF SORROW. I WILL KEEP THIS FAMILY IN MY PRAYER.
Showing 1 - 41 of 41 results
Make a Donation
in Herman Kelly's name
Memorial Events
for Herman Kelly
How to support Herman's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Herman Kelly's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
