Helen Beatrice Kelly's Obituary
Helen Beatrice Kelly went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, April 19, 2023. She was born to the union of Smith Thomas Rogers and Dorothy Alice Rogers on February 3. 1924. She was 99 years old.
Her service will be held on Friday, April 28, 2023, at St. Paul AME Church. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The funeral service will begin at 1:00 PM. Services will be live streamed at 1:00 PM through the HT May & Son Funeral Home Facebook page and can be found at https://www.facebook.com/htmayfuneralhome.
Helen Beatrice Kelly was born to the union of Smith Thomas Rogers and Dorothy Alice Rogers on February 3, 1924. She married John Milton Kelly on May 15, 1943. Two sons were born to this union, Rodney Quinn Kelly (deceased) and John Carl Kelly (Jacqueline) survives. She graduated from Douglass High School in Columbia, Missouri in 1941. She was a preschool teacher at Nora Stewart Nursery for 30 years. She touched the lives of countless young people.
She was lifelong member of St. Paul AME Church. She sang in the choir. She served on numerous boards and committees. She was a class leader and an active participant in St. Paul's Bible Study program. The church was a major part of her life.
She loved to travel internationally, she visited London, Paris and Rome. She also traveled with the Missouri Tigers Football and Men's Basketball teams. These athletes were always welcome to share a meal with her at her kitchen table.
Neighborhood kids were invited into her home. They came to play cards, basketball, pitch horseshoes, read books and eat popcorn. She showered each kid with love. She was the "neighborhood mom".
TO honor Beatrice Kelly's life and legacy, the family asks that the community renew its commitment to love and support each other in these difficult times.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to:
Nora Stewart Early Learning Center
505 E. Ash Street
Columbia, Missouri 65201
What’s your fondest memory of Helen?
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Share a story where Helen's kindness touched your heart.
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