Robert Lee Kelly Sr.

Robert Kelly was born on September 4, 1937, to Joseph and Charlotte Kelly in the state of Mississippi. He was the third of 5 children. He was raised and attended school in Alligator Mississippi. Both of his parents and three of his brothers Rev. Andrew Kelly, Kirstin Curtis Kelly and Edmond Kelly preceded him in death. Robert confessed a hope in Christ at an early age.

While living in Mississippi, he and his brothers song all over, they were known as the Delta Big Four and were managed by their father Joseph Kelly. They later were reorganized as the Kelly Brothers under the management of the late Bishop William Adair of Chicago, IL. The Kelly Brothers traveled the world singing and writing songs such as "Old Glory", "I've Been Striving So Long", "I Still Remember", and "ChristianAutomobile",just to name a few. Robert continued his singing career for many years, in addition to organizing his own band. In 1971 Robert fathered a daughter, Simone Ellis.

After moving to Chicago, IL in 1949, Robert joined the New Jerusalem MBC under the leadership of the Late Pastor Lloyd Johnson. In 1970, his brother the Late Rev. Andrew Kelly organized Greater Sweet Home MBC, Robert joined the church under his leadership a few years later. After Deacon Cage relocated to Michigan, Pastor Andrew Kelly ordained Robert Kelly as a deacon of Greater Sweet Home MBC where he served until he relocated to Long Beach California.

Robert loved music, writing songs, and he was also one of the lead singers of the Kelly Brothers. He was especially fond of his family.

Robert married Katherine Mitchell and to this union 5 children were born.

In 1987, Robert married Patricia Fisher whom he loved so much and during this union one son was born, Dominic R. Kelly in addition to raising four more children together.

In 1995, Robert retired from the Chicago Transit Authority after 25 years of service and enjoyed his retirement completely. Robert had a quiet demeanor and never had any disparaging words against anyone. He had a strong and Holy Spirit filled mind even though his physical health began to decline.

He Leaves to Cherish his memories his loving wife Patricia Kelly; His sons: Larry Mitchell, Sr. (who preceded him in death), Robert Lee Kelly Jr. (Mary Ann), Ronald Kelly, Merrick Kelly (who preceded him in death), Daniel Fisher (LaShauna), Dennis Wallace, Dijon Wallace (Kenya), and Dominic Kelly; His daughters: Felecia Burnett, Jan Dunning Jackson (Corey), Simone Ellis (Darrell), Niya Irons (JD); His sisters: Bertha Kelly, Jimmie Lee Taylor; his sister and brother in laws: Eddie Mae Brown- Turner (who passed away the day after Robert), Rosezetta Thompson, Marilyn Williams, Jean Murray (Harold), Rachel Scott (Eric) and Theresa Noel; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, and friends.

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