Veronica Campbell Kelley

May 31, 1933 – December 31, 2015

Deaconess Kelley was born to Richard and Wilhelmina Johnson in St. Mary, Jamaica. Deaconess Kelley came to the United States in the early 1970’s, eventually bringing her parents and the majority of her sisters and brothers with her so they could have a better way of life. She received her formal education from Oakland University in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, where she graduated with an Associate’s degree in Social Work in 1980. Veronica married Rev. Chestley Kelley on December 31, 1983. They were married for 7 years until his death on February 22, 1990. Deaconess Kelley was a Children and Family social worker in Michigan as well as in Florida.

Deaconess Kelly had a passionate love of God and relentless devotion and loyalty to her church, her family and community. She was quite the prayer warrior, always encouraging you in the Lord and telling you to pray and to praise God in all things. She was always there for anyone and everyone at a moment’s notice. She was ready to assist and lend a hand no matter the day, the time, or the situation. It would be a disservice to say that Deaconess Kelley did not affect everyone she encountered. She made a tremendous difference in so many peoples’ lives.

Deaconess Kelley moved to Florida in 1983 and she became a member of New Hope Baptist Church. She was a devoted member for 23 years serving as a former chairman of the Deaconess ministry. She was also involved in the church’s culinary ministry, prison ministry and a faithful member of the music ministry. Deaconess Kelley was a former First Lady at New Salem Missionary Baptist Church in Maitland, Florida and Springfield Missionary Baptist Church in Sanford, Florida where she served with her late husband Rev. Chestly Kelley for many years. She was an active participant and faithful member of the Martin Luther King Community Choir for 20 years. She received an award in January, 2015 for never missing a ceremony involving the MLK Community Choir. Deaconess Kelley was a colorful dresser who loved jewelry, hats, shoes and she wore them all well. Deaconess Kelley was an outspoken, feisty, and no-nonsense independent lady, but she will be most remembered for her passionate love of God and relentless devotion and loyalty to her church, children, grandchildren, family and community and all the sacrifices she made in all areas of her life.

Deaconess Kelley will be overwhelmingly missed and never, ever forgotten. She leaves behind to continue her legacy her children: Millie Tillbury-Davis, London, England; Deroy (Bonnie) Heslop, London, England; Pauleth Heslop, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; Shani Heslop, Orlando, Florida; Courtney Campbell, Altamonte Springs, Florida; Jacqueline Campbell-Brown, Deltona, Florida; and Denise Campbell, Plant City, Florida.; Her siblings: Angelina Lewis, Jamaica; Floretta Clarke, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; Derrick Johnson, Jamaica; Keith Johnson, Jamaica; Odelin Hicks, West Palm Beach, Florida; Cordia Summerville, Jamaica; Claudius Johnson, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; and Lester Johnson, Jamaica.

Deaconess Kelley also leaves behind 18 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and a host of family and friends. She was preceded in death by her son Victor Campbell; brothers Franklin and Cecil Johnson, and her sister Valda Connelly.

Deaconess Kelley, matriarch, devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend. May God cradle you in his bosom and you rest in peace until we meet you again on the other shore.

Let us keep Deaconess Kelley in our hearts forever and keep her memories alive.