Norma Lee Williams Kelley passed away on August 4, 2023. She was born January 8, 1943 in Lake Village, AR to Pryor Heard Williams and Bessie Mae Patton Williams. She grew up in Dermott, AR and married high school sweetheart Jeffrey O’Neal Kelley from McGehee, AR in 1961. She attended Baptist Nursing School in Little Rock, AR. The pair enjoyed sixty-two years of marriage during which they raised four daughters. She played an indispensable role in church communities across Arkansas, North Carolina, DC, New Jersey, and Illinois.
She grew up on Bayou Bartholomew where her early childhood experiences with animals and nature informed an ongoing love for both in later life. She had an innate curiosity, could spend hours observing the details of the natural world, and fostered a reverence for nature in her family. This love was expressed in the butterfly gardens and bird sanctuaries she nurtured surrounding her. Norma and Jeffrey shared a vision for a forested retreat that would provide continuity for their family. Together, they poured sweat, energy, time, and love into building a log cabin in the Arkansas Ozarks. The cabin is a gathering place her family has enjoyed for over 40 years.
She was an avid reader whose favorite authors included Eudora Welty, Wendell Berry, Maya Angelou, Mary Oliver, and Madeleine L’Engle. Norma was a pacifist who had a voice for the poor and marginalized. She supported her local food pantry, the integration of public schools, and the Wisdom House in Syria among others.
Norma considered motherhood her highest calling. Each family member received her full attention. She had a large and embracive view of family, ancestry, and tradition. She recreated an orange cake from Jeffrey’s side of the family that has been cherished for many generations. Her thoughtfulness in sending cards was legendary, as well as her distinctive and precise handwriting. You knew at once it was from Norma.
Norma is preceded in death by four siblings: Marie Trask, Donald Williams, Doris Lookadoo, and Calvin Williams. Norma is survived by her husband Jeffrey Kelley of Conway, AR; four daughters Tamra Kehoe (Devon) of Portland, OR; Anita Kelley of Searcy, AR; Cristin Kelley (James Windelborn) of Southborough, MA; Caitlin Kelley (Avishek Mitra) of Stillwater, OK; her sister Nola Thomas of East Camden, AR; grandchildren Harper Risdon (Layla) of Provo, UT; Brendan Kehoe (Anna McClean) of Portland, OR; Tessa Kehoe of Boston, MA; Campbell Risdon of London, UK; Callan Kehoe (Anna Tinoco) of Salt Lake City, UT; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The funeral service will take place at First United Methodist Church, Conway, AR at 10am on August 19th, 2023 followed by a reception. Worship can be livestreamed on https://www.youtube.com/conwayfumc. Interment will take place at Mt. Horeb Cemetery, near Smackover, AR in the afternoon.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Wisdom House https://setf.ngo/wisdom-house/ or Pancreatic Cancer Action Network https://pancan.org/
Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com
4 Comments
Remembering Norma, a vibrant and tenderly caring woman, from years ago when our husbands were colleagues in seminary together. Though time has evolved and heaven is receiving her, I pause to remember Norma and Jeff in those youthful years. With tender blessings to Norma’s whole beloved family.
My sincere condolences to Pastor Kelley and family. I remember Norma for her kindness, generosity and card ministry. I am very sure that our church in Morton, IL was very strong with Pastor Kelley at the pulpit and Norma at his side as a faithful pastor’s wife.
Love and comfort to Norma’s sweet family. In Christ, Cousin Bonnie Sue and Ronnie
Love and comfort to Norma’s sweet family. In Christ, Cousin Bonnie Sue and Ronnie
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