Bernice Kelley

Mrs. Bernice Kelley began her journey on February 2nd 1932 in Abbeville Alabama. She was born to the late Georgia Mae Smith and Robert Mc Gilvery. She married Reverend Melvin Kelley Sr. in 1951. Following their union in holy matrimony she gave birth to her first child Lurlene Kelley in 1952 at Fort Gaines Hospital. It was the beginning of her unwavering devotion and love to help raise and guide eight children. She relocated to Brooklyn New York in 1954 until she returned to Abbeville in the summer of 1998.  She became an active member of Abbeville Memorial Church of God in Christ participating in the choir as well as participating in workshops and conferences. Her presence in the congregation was strong and it matched her walk with God.

She was proceeded in death by both parents, her brother  Daniel J. Lynn and her three oldest children Lurlene Ramos, Melva Jean Stradford and Melvin Kelley. She leaves to cherish her memory; one daughter Grace Waddy of Headland Al; four sons, George O. Kelley of Annapolis MD, Alfredel Kelley of Brooklyn, NY, Robert Kelley of Dothan AL, and Rashad S. Muhammad of Charleston, SC. She also leaves to mourn a host of Grand and Great-grand children. Bernice also leaves a special friend to mourn her passing James Mc Callister.

Bernice Kelley was the true definition of a Sister, Mother, Grandmother, Great-grandmother, friend, neighbor, and Queen. She was and forever will remain a pillar in the community as the many lives she has touched and changed just from her presence and kind words of encouragement.