Barbara Ann Kelley was born as Barbara Ann Thomas on August 28, 1943 in Salem, Alabama to her parents, Eura (Mama) Lee Thomas and Victor Thomas. She was educated in the Salem School District. She moved to Saginaw, MI with her parents and while living in Saginaw, they attended Tabernacle Baptist Church. The family visited Union Baptist Church in Lansing, MI, soon after they moved their membership to Union and made Lansing their new home. The family moved to the corner of William and Middle Street in 1962 where Mama Lee still resides. While attending Union Baptist Church, Barbara was an active member of the Sunday School and young adult choir.

Barbara continued her education in the Lansing School District and graduated from J. W. Sexton High School. After high school, she moved to San Francisco, California to continue her education. She lived there for several years before returning to Lansing. She went to work for the Lansing Police Department as a dispatcher and earned an associate degree from Lansing Community College. She transitioned from the Police Department and was hired as a State of Michigan employee. During this time, she married Robert Davis, Sr. Through this union, two sons and one daughter were born: Robert Jr., Terence, and Charmaine Davis.

Barbara later met the love of her life, Albert L. Kelley, Jr. and they married on May 28, 1976 in a lovely outdoor intimate ceremony at Cooley Gardens in Lansing, MI. The sun was shining that day and the "Son (Jesus)" has smiled on their marriage for 43 years. They experienced many victories and challenges, but their testimony speaks to their faith in Jesus and their marriage covenant. Through this union, three sons were born: Kinte, Jermaine, and Shawn Kelley. After they were married, Barbara and Albert became members of Old Ave. Original Church of God where Albert would later accept his call into the ministry.

Barbara became a first lady when Albert was elected to pastor the 72 ^nd St. Original Church of God in Chicago, IL. After two years in Chicago they became pastor and first lady of Pennsylvania Original Church of God in Lansing, MI. While attending Pennsylvania Avenue, First Lady Kelley served as Vice President of the missionaries, Secretary of vacation bible school, and was a member of the adult choir. In addition to her first lady duties, she served as State Secretary for the Original Church of God. She was also a member of the Lansing Minister's Wives and the National Original Church of God auxiliary of Minister's Wives. Barbara remained first lady for 25 years until her transition to heaven.

Barbara's greatest love was for her husband, children, and grandchildren. She loved taking pictures and spending time with her family. She was an amazing listener and always gave an encouraging word. She loved traveling, attending church, relaxing and laughing. She especially loved giving hugs. She was known to ask a lot of questions which earned her the names FBI and neighborhood watch from family and close friends.

Barbara was preceded in death by: her father, Victor Thomas; daughter, Charmaine Davis; son, Terence Davis; a special great aunt, Sarah Sharpe; stepfather, John Pruitt; stepsisters, Carla and Renee Pruitt.

Barbara leaves to cherish her memory and carry her legacy: her mother; Eura Lee Pruitt; her loving husband, Pastor Albert L. Kelley, Jr; sons, Robert Davis, Jr., Kinte Kelley, Jermaine (Dawn) Kelley, and Shawn (Leedon) Kelley; grandchildren, Breanna (Darquise) Hawkins, Khristian, Pauline, Jenesis, Priscilla, Jesyiah Kelley, Beyonce, Athyliah, and Gabriel Hernandez; great-grandchildren, Darquise Hawkins, Jr., and Mateo Flores; brother, Carl (Patsy) Johnson; step-brother, Wain Pruitt; special cousins, Russell and Marshall Thomas; and many other family members, friends, church family, and neighbors.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.rileyfuneralhome.com