Mary Lillian “Lillie” Kelley, age 77, passed away on Sunday, August 8, 2021. She was born on February 17, 1944 in Sumrall, MS to the late James V. and Ruth Marie Whiddon.
Mary was united in holy matrimony to G.W. Kelley of Stateline, MS in the Fall of 1966. The union gave her the blessed opportunity to know and love Mr. Kelley’s six children and thirteen grandchildren with full heart. The couple was further blessed with the births of a son and daughter. Mary loved having a large family and always looked forward to the holidays and family gatherings when all would be present. Mr. Kelley preceded her in death on December 16, 1984.
In addition to her parents, and her loving husband of 18 years, Mary was also preceded in death by two brothers, Farrell and James Whiddon; sister, Bobbie Nell Powell; step-daughters, Carolyn Earnest and Patsy Cochran; step-son, Claude Kelley; grandchildren, Sissy Earnest, Jimmy Earnest and Wilbur Johnson, Jr.; and great grandson, Eli Kelley.
Survivors include her brothers, Tony and Hilton Whiddon; sister, Vivian Sport; step-daughters, Barbara Johnson and Doris (Ken) Tisdale; step-son, Aaron (Shelia) Kelley; children, Steve (Valerie) Kelley and Angie Horton; grandchildren, Rosa Johnson-O’Neal, Benita Johnson Rhodes, Terry Johnson, Candice Jones, Ricky Cochran, Dee Dee Bearb, Jeri Tisdale, Kelley Tisdale, Casey Kelley, Callie Kelley, Heath (Victoria) Kelley, Heather Bettis, Maegan (Jaquan) Riley and Jesse Horton; many great and great-great grandchildren; numerous beloved nieces and nephews, family and friends.
Funeral service will be held at 7:00 p.m. at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, Howard Avenue in Biloxi on Thursday, August 12, 2021. Friends are invited to visit one hour prior. A private burial will be held.
Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, Howard Avenue in Biloxi is honored to serve the Kelley family.