Mrs. Mary Lee Kelly

In Remembrance Of Our Beloved Mary Lee Kelly: Mary Lee Jackson-Kelly made her transition on January 27, 2015 at the age of 91. Mary was born on August 31, 1923 in Louann, Arkansas to the proud parents of Tommie Howard-Jackson and William Jackson, Sr. Mary was the oldest child of William Jackson, followed by her brothers, William and Fred Jackson. Her mother passed away prematurely leaving Mary to be raised by her father and her endearing Grandma Pliney Howard-Hargrove in Louann and Smackover, Arkansas. She accepted Christ as a child at her family church, Ebenezer Baptist Church, in Louann. During the early 1940’s Mary moved to Detroit, MI where she was employed by Chrysler Automotive of Highland Park for more than 30 years. Mary also joined Peace Baptist Church and was a faithful member for 63 years. On October 31, 1959, Mary Lee Jackson married the love of her life, Joseph William Kelly, a marriage that lasted 32 years until he passed on September 2, 1992. Mary had one stepdaughter, Josephine Brown, two grandsons, two great-granddaughters, and five great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Joe Kelly, stepdaughter Josephine Brown, and her brother William Jackson. Because of her enormous love of children, Mary was known as “Grandma Kelly” by all the children on Marx Street where she lived for many years. She would frequently babysit or keep a watchful eye, provide meals and financial assistance, or whatever the need, including discipline, words of wisdom, and LOTS OF LOVE!!! Within the family and extended family, she was given the highest respect as an elder and everyone went to her for guidance, prayer, encouragement or "just to talk". Mary's home had a revolving door where she cooked and hosted big memorable gatherings for her family and friends. She will be missed for her signature pound cake, fried sweet corn, and stuffed bell peppers. Mary’s other loves were tending to her flowers and plants with her magical green thumb, collecting elephants with their trunks turned up toward heaven, and traveling with family and friends. Mary was a true disciple for the Lord, always giving unselfishly to others.

Mrs. Mary Lee Kelly

August 31, 1923 - January 27, 2015