Linda Faye Kelley

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone that believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life." John 3:16. Linda was a native of New Roads and a resident of Watson. Linda Faye Kelley, 55, and wife of Michael Wayne Kelley Sr., was welcomed into the arms of her Lord and Savior at 4:35 a.m. Friday, Dec. 14, 2007, after her courageous battle with cancer. She was a member of Florida Boulevard Baptist Church. Visiting will be at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd., from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 16. Visiting continues at Florida Boulevard Baptist Church at 10915 Florida Blvd. on Monday, Dec. 17, from noon until religious service at 1 p.m., conducted by Brother Louis Boyd. Interment in Greenoaks Memorial Park. Linda was born July 11, 1952, in Mix. She was raised in New Roads where she enjoyed hunting, fishing and sporting activities, mainly softball, where she was an awesome player. Linda and Mike graduated from Poydras High School and married on March 21, 1971. They lived in Colorado Springs, Colo., for more than two years while Mike was stationed at Fort Carson. Upon completion, they settled in Baton Rouge where they raised their three children. Linda was a homemaker who enjoyed raising her children. She helped them with schoolwork, brought them to many sporting activities, taught them right from wrong and loved and nurtured them with all her heart. Even though she took good care of her home, she loved to be outdoors, cutting grass, doing yard work and playing ball. She acquired these things growing up as a young girl being with her father. After living In Baton Rouge for 18 years, they moved to Watson where they watched their four grandchildren grow up. Even though Linda loved her children very much, she was always very concerned and protective of her grandchildren because they were the love of her life. Linda was an avid fisherman who enjoyed fishing with her husband, Mike, for sac-a-lait at Bayou Pigeon, Old River and False River. She was an excellent fisherman because she enjoyed it so much. Linda was very witty and most people would have a hard time beating her at any board games. Linda, you will surely be missed. May God be with you always. Linda is survived by her loving husband of 36 years, Michael Wayne Kelley Sr.; three children, Tina Ann Tate, Michael Wayne Kelley Jr. and Becky Renee Walker; her daughter-in-law, Adrienne Kelley, and son-in-law, Jason Walker; her four precious grandchildren, Jordan Tate, Hunter Kelley, Skylar Kelley and Cole Walker; her mother, Iva B. Jarreau; brother, Kirby Jarreau and his wife, Jenny; sister, Marie Adams and her husband, Steven Sr.; her two godchildren, Shelly Adams Dillard and Justin Weber; mother-in-law, Joyce Kelley; brothers-in-law, Dennis Kelley and wife Lisa, Patrick Kelley, Randy Kelley and wife Lori; sisters-in-law, Marcia Miller and husband Henry, and Susan Miller and husband Glenn; numerous nieces and nephews, Kirk Jarreau, Will Jarreau, David Jarreau, Dixie Jarreau McGrew, Patricia Latiolais, Loretta Weber, Ray Jarreau, Steven Adams Jr., Christopher Adams, Travis Adams, Shelly "Welly" Dillard, Jackie Self, Melora Layne, Destiny Kelley, Katie Kelley Parker Kelley, Anna Kelley, Randall Kelley, Kortney Kelley, Abbey Kelley, Amie Haggenmacher, Alicia Miller, Brandi Miller and Robbie Miller; and "Linda's favorite four legged friends," José and Lil Bit. Linda was preceded in death by her father, Gacien Jarreau Jr.; brother, Roy Jarreau; sister, Angelina Jarreau; grandparents, Gacien Jarreau Sr., Bertha Guerin Jarreau, Ulyssa Bizette and Mariska Bizette; father-in-law, W.O. "Peanut" Kelley; and her longtime pet and friend, Skippy. Pallbearers will be Steven Adams Jr., Christopher Adams, Travis Adams, Will Jarreau, Jason Walker, Robbie Miller, Randy Kelley and Dennis Kelley. Honorary pallbearers are Henry Miller, Glenn Miller, Patrick Kelley, Allen Webb, Jason Latiolais, Brian Latiolais, Eric Weber, Justin Weber, Jordan Tate, Hunter Kelley and Cole Walker. The family would like to express their gratitude to the following friends, the staff of Our Lady of The Lake Regional Medical Center, the home health nurses, Hospice of Baton Rouge,the staff and members of Florida Boulevard Baptist Church, the New Roads Sheriff's Department and Brother Louis Boyd for all the prayers and encouragement. Thanks to Rabenhorst Funeral Home for making the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hospice of Baton Rouge. Linda is united in the presence of her God in Heaven. "Release Me, let me go, you must not tie yourself to me with tears. I thank you for all the love you have shown me. It is only for a little while that we must part, and when you come this way, I will welcome you home."