Jessie R. Kelly

"I have fought a good fight; I have finished my course; I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me on that Day – and not to me only, but unto all those also who love His appearing.

Albany- Jessie Ruth Kelly was born on April 3, 1939, to Mary Jane and Shepherd Kelly in Hamett County North Caroline. During the early hours of July 8, 2023 Jehovah let her know that her mansion was ready, and she changed her address to Gods Town, Heaven.

With the support of her parents, she left home at 18 to work in New York as a live-in maid. She soon obtained a better job working at St. Peter's Hospital as a housekeeper. After working at St. Peter's for a short period they posted for trainees to work in the Operating Room. Jessie applied and obtained one of the trainee positions and finally becoming an OR Tech where she worked for over 40 years. In her late 30's she decided that she wanted to learn to drive. When she applied for her birth certificate, she learned the midwife had her name registered as "Cindy Mayfield Kelly" and had to legally change to Jessie Ruth Kelly.

She was preceded in death by her son Travis Dean Yardborough; parents Mary Jane and Shepherd Kelly; five brothers, Neal, King, Roger, Burnice Sr., and Shepherd Kelly; three sisters, Pearl Lee Cameron, Emma Jane Kelly, and Sudie Patricia Chavis.


Jessie leaves to cherish her memory: her daughter, Shirley Kelly-Parson; one brother and three sisters, Louis Kelly (Elaine) of Lillington NC; Essie Kelly and Ozella Clark of Albany, New York and Flora McCants of Marlette, Michigan; those who affectionally knew her as "G-Ma, Yvetta (Lareiya and Andrea) Parson; Geneve (Gellona, Gaya and Gayla) Parson, Elizabeth Purdy and Sheila Stroud; sons Wayne (Denise) Mackey, Bobby Chaney; special nieces, Betty Graham, Karen Ann Clark, and Pastor Jackie Harrington; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.


Click here to view Jessie's service