Helen Kelley

Helen Tucker Kelley, 91, of Eldridge, Alabama passed away at her home on May 6, 2020. She was born on October 27, 1928 in Howard, Alabama and lived in Eldridge most of her life. Mrs. Kelley was a graduate of Carbon Hill High School and earned a bachelor's degree from Samford University and a master's degree from the University of Alabama. She was a teacher for 30 years at Eldridge Junior High School, where she also served as assistant principal. She was a reading consultant with the Walker County Board of Education for more than 10 years and a member of Alpha Delta Kappa professional sorority. Mrs. Kelley trusted Jesus Christ as her Savior at a young age and was a member of the Eldridge Baptist Church, where she served as a teacher, choir member, church clerk, and deacon's wife for many years.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the family will hold a private graveside service at the

Kelley Cemetery in Eldridge, with Kilgore-Green Funeral Home directing. Rev. Shawn Morgan officiating.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 48 years, Raymond Gilder Kelley; parents, Lewis Franklin Tucker and Jewell Kendrick Tucker Kimbrell; sister, Willie Sue Tucker Kelley; step-father, Rev. Henry Clay Kimbrell; step-siblings, Laura Lou Cornelius, Verlie Gordon, Henry Kimbrell, and Charles Kimbrell.

She is survived by her daughters, Dr. Marguerite Kelley of Guin, Alabama, and Jennifer Kelley (Ronnie) Jenkins of Carbon Hill, Alabama; grandchildren, Kelley (Shawn) Morgan, Jennifer (John) Abernathy, Jackie (Chris) Kilgore, and Matt (Christy) LeDuke; fifteen great-grandchildren; step-sister Ruth Kimbrell Walker; nieces Roxie Kelley, Sonja (Alan) Ware, and Trannie (Sam) Massingill; devoted caregivers Brenda Dodd and Jodie Tidwell; and many other relatives and friends.

Special thanks to former caregivers Patsy Tucker, the late Margaret Smothers, Shelby Lynn, Tammy Lynn, and Tammy Atkins; to Dr. Claude Osula and Dr. Sonya Pettus, and to the staff of Southern Care New Beacon Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Eldridge Baptist Church, P. 0. Box 97, Eldridge, Alabama 35554 or to the Eldridge Volunteer Fire Department, P. 0. Box 51, Eldridge, Alabama 35554.