Wanda Kelly

Wanda was born in 1931 to her parents, Lucille and Jack, in Wood County, Texas, where she spent most of her childhood years. The oldest of four children, she arrived into the world in the early years of the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression, and embodied many of the qualities attributed to her generation, including a strong work ethic, self-sacrifice, determination and resilience, which served her well throughout her life.

The guiding light in Wanda’s life was her mother Lucy, a woman of humble beginnings, yet a leader in her time. She believed that Wanda would achieve greatness in her life. Little did she know just how extraordinary Wanda’s life would be.

Wanda attended school in a one-room schoolhouse and excelled at her studies. A bright and motivated student, she believed that education was a great equalizer. The first in her family to get a college degree, Wanda attended North Texas State University on a scholarship.

While attending college, Wanda met the love of her life, William “Dub” Kelly, Jr. After a 45-day courtship, they became engaged. They married on the day before Thanksgiving so they would not have to take time off from their work as schoolteachers to celebrate their honeymoon.

While Wanda exemplified the traditional values of her generation, she was also a quiet trailblazer. For nearly 68 years, Wanda and Dub enjoyed a fulfilling life together raising three children and pursuing their dreams. Wanda became a teacher, a businesswoman, a savvy investor, and an advisor, in addition to being a devoted mother and wife.

Wanda completed her Master’s in Education at North Texas State University and taught at Stewart Elementary for over 20 years. She also worked alongside her husband as a valued advisor to help build their luxury homebuilding business. She did all of this while raising three active children. A woman ahead of her time, Wanda modeled strength, wisdom, motivation, grace, and kindness. All those who were fortunate to know her were inspired by her genuine interest in them, and by all that she achieved in her life.

Wanda will be lovingly remembered by her three children, Debra Kelly-Ennis and her husband Joe Nestic of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida; Kathy Howie of Friendswood, Texas; and William Henry Kelly III of San Sebastián, Spain; her two grandchildren, Ellen and Patrick Kelly Fernandez. Additionally her brother Don Herbert Rhodes and Wife Linda Rhodes of Mineloa, and many other loving relatives and friends. Wanda was preceded in death by her husband William Henry Kelly Jr.; her granddaughter Caitlin Howie; and her brothers, Bobby & Billy Jack.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a Tribute Gift Donation to the Perry Family YMCA at https://www.justgiving.com/page/wandalkelly91 or by mail to Perry Family YMCA 1700 W. League City, Texas 77573, indicating on memo line “in memory of Wanda Kelly."

Wanda will be buried at a private ceremony held at Forest Park East Cemetery 21620 Gulf Fwy, Webster, Texas, 77598.