Tommie Lou Lenehan Kelley

Tommie Lou Lenehan Kelley of Heber Springs, 96, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 in Little Rock, Arkansas. Born on Sept. 2, 1928, in Batesville, Arkansas, she was the sixth of seven children of John Peter and Maude Latimer Lenehan.

Tommie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Henry Clay Kelley; her parents, John and Maude; her siblings, Geraldine Lenehan, Montine Lenehan Campbell, Polly Lenehan Bell, Katherine Lenehan Stokes, Betty Jo Lenehan Hall, and John P. Lenehan Jr.; and her son-in-law, Richard Sheppard Arnold.

Her three children survive her: Becky Kelley Gorman and her husband, Dr. Neal Gorman, of Richmond, Texas; Kay Kelley Arnold of Little Rock; and Hank (Henry Clay Kelley Jr.) and his wife, Stephanie Dailey Kelley, also of Little Rock. Known lovingly as Mimi, Tommie was a devoted grandmother to six grandchildren: Dr. Blythe Kelley Gorman and her husband, Jonathan Lowe, of Houston, Texas; Caroline Gorman of Brookshire, Texas; Natalie Kelley Lueders and her husband, Dave Lueders, of Coto de Caza, California; Jonathan Clay Kelley and his wife, Margaret Jessen Kelley, of Lake Bluff, Illinois; Nicholas Edward Kelley and his wife, Kadee Reynolds Kelley, of Little Rock; and Grace Kelley Mickelson and her husband, Luke Mickelson, of Englewood, Colorado. She was also blessed with 10 great-grandchildren: Grant and Leigh Lueders of Coto de Caza, California; Edgar, Gweneth, and Pauline Kelley of Lake Bluff, Illinois; Jack and Luke Kelley of Little Rock; and Noah, Lila, and Emma Mickelson of Englewood, Colorado. In addition, Tommie leaves behind many cherished nieces and nephews.

Tommie graduated from Batesville High School in 1945 and Arkansas College, now Lyon College, in 1949. A gifted student, she skipped first grade because she had already memorized the books her older sisters had used to teach her. She began her career teaching high school in Heber Springs, where she met and married Henry Kelley in 1950. Tommie later taught elementary school before choosing to devote herself entirely to raising her children and serving her community.

A longtime member of First Baptist Church of Heber Springs, Tommie was deeply involved in church life, teaching Sunday school and serving in various capacities for nearly 70 years. Her faith was a guiding force in her life, and she was known for her deep knowledge of scripture.

Tommie's home was a place of warmth, comfort and belonging, with the kitchen table at its heart. Around that table, family milestones were celebrated, important decisions were made and laughter echoed. It was where meals were shared at least three times a day, homework was spread out, crafts were created and conversations unfolded over the rustle of two daily newspapers and a stack of well-loved magazines. A small radio played in the background, filling the home with the sounds of local news and familiar voices. That table was far more than a gathering place, it was the center of family life, a place where memories were made and bonds were strengthened. And at the heart of it all was Tommie, whose steady love and quiet strength made every moment feel like home to family and friends who were visiting.

Tommie had many talents. A skilled seamstress, she found joy in sewing, quilting, and needlework. Tommie was also an exceptional cook, best known for her shortbread, which she especially loved baking with her grandchildren. Though Tommie modestly claimed not to be a gardener, her home was always surrounded by colorful flowers, which she generously shared with others.

She enjoyed playing bridge, was active in women's service clubs and consistently gave her time to improve the community. Tommie was deeply committed to education and served on the Cleburne County Library Board for years. She was a lifelong learner and avid reader, with shelves filled with reference books, classic literature, biographies and historical works. Tommie believed strongly in the power of knowledge and curiosity, often responding to questions with "Look it up," as she was always teaching. She also had a sharp mind for puzzles, especially crosswords, which she insisted on solving in ink. When asked why, she simply said, "You either know the answer or you don't."

The family is deeply grateful to her healthcare providers and to the many dear friends and neighbors who offered their support in recent years.

A graveside service will be held at Cleburne County Memorial Gardens at 10:30 a.m. May 15, 2025, and a celebration of her life will be done at a later time this year.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mary I. Wold Cleburne County Library, 1009 West Main Street, Heber Springs, Arkansas 72543; the Cleburne County Historical Society, 102 East Main Street, Heber Springs, Arkansas 72543; the Bell Lenehan Scholarship Fund at Lyon College, 2300 Highland Road, Batesville, Arkansas 72501; the CHI St. Vincent Foundation, P.O. Box 7501, Little Rock, Arkansas 72207; or the Arkansas Hospice Foundation, 14 Parkstone Circle, North Little Rock, Arkansas 72116.