Rev. Lucille K. Kelley

Our beloved Lucille was born in Tallahassee Florida Sept 29, 1929 to Reverend Godfrey and Harriet Knight. Lucille was the third oldest of 10 children (Samuel, Godfrey, Issac, Rebecca (Sweet), Arthur, Ray Paul, Glorious (Pulliam), Mary Knight, and John Knight). Lucille took on the role of big sister and role model very elegantly. She spent her early years in Florida until she relocated to Rochester, NY, over 70 years ago and worked as a seamstress, at a sewing factory.

She was married to Clarence Kelley and had one son, David F. Kelley. Lucille completed a 20-year long nursing career, retiring as a neurology and special duties RN. Lucille, as a young widow was no newbie to hard work and dedication and she knew with faith she could move mountains. This mindset would cascade her future and eventually inspire her to walk down a path in ministry.

Lucille was a member of her local church Mt. Olivet Baptist Church for many years and participated in the church choir. She felt part of her purpose was bettering the lives of children. She worked hard at this by instilling the word of God in her grandchildren, teaching them life skills, and also doing the same with the children she fostered over the years.

Years after retiring from Monroe Community Hospital, she walked down the path of ministry obtaining a BA in Religion, Family and Society in 2001 and a Masters from Colgate Divinity School in 2002. In 2003 she became an Ordained minister at Genesee Baptist Church where she served as a minister for many years. In addition, she served as a hospital Clergy.

Lucille took pride in her yard, keeping a beautiful garden. She enjoyed walks around the neighborhood and time with her family. She would sing hymns around her house and practice sermons with her grandchildren. Education was extremely import to her and she pushed her family to pursue college. She would consistently talk about how “you can do anything you put your mind to, anything at all” and she would want us all to rejoice in in her homecoming, for nothing walks this earth forever!

Lucille K. Kelley is survived by her son David F. (Yolanda) Kelley, Grand Children Alexandria (Kemar) Lewis, David A. Kelley, Kevin Kelley, Maya Kelley, Great Grand Children Kassidy Kelley and Eastin Lewis, Sisters: Glorious Pulliam and Mary Knight, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.alvahhalloranandson.com for the Kelley family.