Janie Telford O'Kelley

Janie Telford O'Kelley, age 96, of Birmingham, passed away on Tuesday, May 3, 2011. Mrs. O'Kelley was born on March 16, 1915, in Cleveland, Georgia, at the home of her parents, James H. and Nell Kenimer Telford. She graduated from the University of Georgia, where she met her now deceased beloved husband of 63 years, Willis O'Kelley. They were married on October 8, 1938 in the backyard of her parents' home in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. She and Mr. O'Kelley resided in Wadley, Georgia until 1952, when they moved their family to Birmingham, where Mr. O'Kelley was employed for many years by Butler Manufacturing Company.

Mrs. O'Kelley was known by all for her sweet, sweet spirit and her optimistic attitude toward life. Her smile and gentle, caring ways exemplified God's love. Her passions were her family and friends, unselfishly giving of herself to those she held dear. She was most beloved, our dearest treasure.

Mrs. O'Kelley was an active member of Dawson Memorial Baptist Church, which she served many years by visiting and ministering to the needs of elderly and disabled members. She was an avid bridge player and a lifelong supporter of her University of Georgia Bulldogs.

Her memberships included Vestavia Country Club, The Club, the Arboretum Society, the Florabunda Garden Club, the Rosa Strickland Literary Club, and the Daughters of the American Revolution.

She is survived by her son, Madison W. O'Kelley, Jr. of Birmingham; daughter, Nell Elizabeth O'Kelley McReynolds (Prentiss) of Lenoir City, Tennessee; son, James L. O'Kelley (Kathy) of Birmingham; grandchildren, Mark Prentiss McReynolds (Karen) Cookeville, Tennessee, Ryan O'Kelley McReynolds (Merrie Robin) of Kingsport, Tennessee, Ashley McReynolds Lay (Brad) of Thompson Station, Tennessee, Lucy Reid O'Kelley, Madison W. O'Kelley, II, and Drue Elizabeth O'Kelley, all of Birmingham; and great-grandchildren, Elizabeth McReynolds, Miles McReynolds, Katherine McReynolds, Connor McReynolds, Julianna McReynolds, Eric McReynolds, Sally McReynolds, Carter Lay and Meredith Lay.

Mrs. O'Kelley is also survived by her brothers and sister, whom she adored, George Dean Telford (Sybil) of Cornelia, Georgia, Gordon McAllister Telford (Margaret) of Toccoa, Georgia, and Betty Telford Highsmith (Carey) of Cleveland, Georgia; together with her sister-in-law, Katherine Telford of Gainesville, Georgia; and a host of nephews and nieces.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Willis O'Kelley; and her beloved brothers, Joseph Kenimer Telford and James H. Telford, Jr.

A memorial service will be held at Ridout's Valley Chapel in Homewood on Friday, the 6th day of May at 2:00 p.m., with visitation at the chapel one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery.

Arrangements under the direction of Ridout's Valley Chapel, Homewood, AL.