Luella Kelley

Luella, affectionally called by her family and friends Lou, Lou Lou, Aunt Lou, and Grandmom was born the fifth of eight siblings. Luella was united in holy matrimony to James F. Kelley Sr. for fifty-four blissful years. This union was blessed with three daughters and one son, with whom she leaves a legacy of love to cherish her memories.

At an early age, Luella professed her faith in Jesus Christ and joined First Calvary Baptist Church, where she was a dedicated, faithful member. Before her health declined, she served in many ministries in the church which included: The Goins' Missionary Circle, Sunday School, Kitchen Committee, Mother of the Church, Senior and Mass Choir as she touched everyone's hearts with her spiritual, uplifting, and gifted singing. A few songs to mention: Precious memories, Oh I want to see him, Lead me guide me, I should wear a crown so you would know, Walk in the light, Up above my head, Oh it is Jesus, Through it all and Nobody but you, etc.

She proudly recited the books of the bible from memory in order from Genesis to Revelation. She was a devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and friend. Luella loved the Lord and embraced every moment with her church family. She loved cooking, family gatherings, traveling, and listening to gospel music. As a result of her gentle spirit and vivacious personality, she was loved by all who met her and her influence will forever remain in the lives of all who knew her.

Luella was employed for many years in the manufacturing industry (Levis), Entrepreneur Kelley's Daycare and a senior foster grandparent in the Knox County School System. She was genuinely caring and concerned about others nurturing, and thoughtful. She had a wonderful sense of humor.

Her toils are past -Her work is done - She fought the fight - The victory is won!

2 Corinthians 5:8 "We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord".

She is preceded in death by her parents, the late Jacob and Rachel Foster Ray Sr.; husband, James Franklin Kelley Sr.; brothers, Jacob Ray Sr., and James “Sonny” Ray, Richard Ray; sister, Betty Ray Poole; son-in-law, Van Franklin Meade; extended family, Mr and Mrs. Carlton Campbell.

Survived by her children: Christina Kelley Meade, Jamesena Kelley, James (Carol) Kelley Jr., Jacksonville, Fl, and Victoria (William)Houston, Concord, NC. Grandchildren; Jamesha Kelley, William Houston Ill, Shatoria Houston, (Honorary) Maisie Thompson, and Precious grand-dog, Cleo; siblings, JoEvelyn Liggett, Helen Greenlee, and David Ray Sr.; sisters-in-law, Mattie Clemons, and Ernestine Trapp. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends. Beloved cousin, Oralee Cofer; extended families, The Campbell Family, The First Calvary Baptist Church Family, and Lonsdale Community.

Special thanks to the University of Tennessee Hospice and Staff, CAC Companion Care, YMCA, and O’Conner Center.

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