Edmond Kelly Sr

Deacon Edmond Kelly Sr., affectionately known as “Uncle Ball,” was born May 23, 1944, in Alligator, Mississippi, to the union of Joseph and Charlotte Kelly, both of whom have preceded him in eternal rest. Additionally, his two elder brothers, Reverend Andrew Kelly, and Deacon Curtis Kelly Sr. have also preceded him in eternal rest.

At an early age, the family moved to Chicago, IL where he was educated at Jungman Elementary School, and he later attended Harrison High School. Afterward, he completed his General Educational Development certification and went on to attend Triton College.  

In 1965, Edmond Sr. met and married Emma Westry and to this union, one child was born Lisa Gayle Kelly.

Edmond Sr. believed in working and providing for his family. Therefore, he diligently worked in the construction and trucking industries at N. H. Mclennan and Zenith for over 30 years, and in public relations at Triton College until he retired in 2005. During his working years, he met Donna Jones, and together they raised their three children Lisa, Lashawn Jones, and Edmond Kelly, Jr. A man of many gifts, talents, and hobbies, Edmond Sr. enjoyed singing, fishing, bowling, traveling, good cuisine, and he loved to talk!

Spiritually, Edmond Sr. accepted Christ at the age of ten years old under the leadership of the late Reverend Lloyd Johnson of New Jerusalem MB Church. In 1970, Edmond Sr.’s elder brother, the late Reverend Andrew Kelly, organized his church, and in 1971 Edmond Sr. became a member of the Greater Sweet Home MB Church. Edmond Sr. dutifully served with his late brother as an usher and was later ordained as a deacon in 1975. Having a love for gospel music and singing, Edmond Sr. also sang in the choir and became known for his lead vocals in “Everything’s Alright.” Deacon Edmond Kelly Sr. was active in his service to Greater Sweet Home until his health prevented him from doing so.

Deacon Edmond Kelly Sr. leaves to cherish his wonderful legacy of his daughters Lisa Kelly of Pensacola, Florida, Lashawn Jones of Las Vegas, Nevada and his son, Dr. Edmond Kelly, Jr. and wife Felicia; four grandchildren Kakietha, Amber, Zoey, and Elicia; three great-grandchildren Alexis, Devin, and Amira; his brother Robert Kelly and wife Patricia of Fort Meyers, Florida; two sisters Evangelist Bertha Kelly (Tinley Park, IL) and Jimmie Lee Kelly-Taylor (Renova, MS); sister-in-law Rosa Kelly; a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends; one-special friend Evangelist Shirley Hall (Indianapolis, IN); and eight close sisters who were raised by his late mother.

Deacon Edmond Kelly Sr. was unrelenting in his beliefs, and firm in his love for God and his family. His presence will be greatly missed but his memory will forever live in our hearts.

In His name,

Edmond Kelly, B.S., M.Ed., Ed.S.

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