Joan Kelley

09/21/1930 – 05/08/2012

Joan Kelley, also lovingly known as “Mammer” and “Aunt Joanie”, was granted her angel wings on the morning of Tuesday, May 8, 2012 in Visalia, CA. For one week she waged a courageous fight against the effects of a sudden stroke and her final days were spent continuously surrounded by family and friends.

Joan was born in Oklahoma on September 21, 1930 to the union of Ira and Octa Helms. She spent her early childhood growing up in Arkansas until her family moved west, initially stopping in Arvin, CA. They ultimately moved to Santa Paula, CA where she spent the majority of her blessed and happy life. In 2002, she moved to Visalia, CA with her daughter and son-in-law and their family where she remained until her death.

Joan graduated from Santa Paula High School in 1947. Shortly after she married her young and handsome war veteran and the love of her life, Lloyd Kelley. They were united on July 30, 1947. She was blessed to be a homemaker and dedicated herself to her home, her husband, and raising their two children. She and Lloyd spent 50 wonderful years together until his passing in 1998. Although she ultimately resided in Visalia, CA, she enjoyed remaining an active member of the Freewill Baptist Church in Santa Paula where she continued to serve the Lord in the company of her extended family and friends.

She loved baking, quilting, reading her bible, and going on church retreats. She was young beyond her years and gladly helped out her son-in-law Robert, Sr. with his business, Embroidery Plus, whenever he needed her. She enjoyed lovingly playing with all of her pride and joys, her great-grandchildren. She also enjoyed spending time with family and friends, socializing and playing games like cards and dominoes. It was no secret that she was a dedicated Laker fan. Everyone will miss her hallmark fresh ‘strawberries and pie crust’. Joan touched the lives of many people with her gentle, loyal, and loving nature. We will deeply miss her company, bright smile, and her loving hugs and kisses.

She is survived by her son, Michael E. Kelley of Paso Robles, CA; daughter and son-in-law Karen and Robert Casarez Sr. of Visalia, CA; grandson and wife Robert, Jr. and Tencha Casarez of Visalia, CA; granddaughter and husband Lisa and Dorian Barraza of Visalia, CA, and granddaughter and husband Tina and Johnny Mata of Santa Paula, CA. She is also survived by her seven great-grandchildren, Karina Renee Casarez, Isaac Robert Casarez, Shane Michael Barraza, Seth Antonio Barraza, Jordan Mata, Jayden Mata, and eagerly expected Tyler Joe Mata. She also leaves to cherish her memory her brothers Howard and wife Glenna Helms; Wayne and wife Phyllis Helms; her sister Bobbie Castelan; and sister-in-laws Mary and husband Carlos Antunez, Ann Helms, and Treva Holt. She also leaves behind several nieces and nephews and many special friends at Freewill Baptist Church who all had a very special place in her heart.

She was preceded in death by her parents Ira and Octa Helms, husband Lloyd Kelley, Brother Bill Helms, brother Eugene Helms, and sister Darlene Helms.

A viewing will be held on Friday, May 11th, 2012, 4:00pm to 8:00 pm at Charles-Carroll Funeral Home in Ventura, CA. 642-8134. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 12th, 2012 at 9:00 am at the West Coast Fellowship Freewill Baptist Church located 406 Acacia Rd., Santa Paula, CA followed by a graveside service at the Santa Paula Cemetery.

Arrangements by Charles Carroll Funeral Home, Ventura, CA (805) 642-8134