Rebecca Kelly

Rebecca E. Kelly was born in Linden, Alabama on December 8, 1930. She was the fourth of 6 children born to Richard and Alice Harris. She departed this life, but not from our hearts on Tuesday, November 28, 2023. Rebecca graduated and was educated at Linden Academy. She married her first love, Jessie Lee in 1947. From this union, Rebecca and Jessie had two daughters, Yvonne and Joyce. In 1952, Jessie Lee was called home at the age of 24. Rebecca then met Elbert Kelly and they married in 1959. Rebecca and Elbert moved their family from Alabama to Amityville, NY in 1964. There, Rebecca’s home, jokingly referred to as the “Underground Railroad”, was the gateway for many friends and family members that moved up North. She was always willing to have them come and stay until they could find a home of their own in NY. Rebecca not only raised her family but she was a mother/grandmother to all. As a hobby, Rebecca LOVED to cook and bake. She was especially known for her cakes. Her Pound cake and German Chocolate cakes were by far the best on Long Island and people came from near and far just to get a slice. Rebecca was an entrepreneur. She cooked and sold plates not only for church fundraisers but for people in the neighborhood. She would feed all the kids on the block whether they were hungry or not. Rebecca was a hairdresser in Alabama and in New York. She was a supervisor at Tri Mold Plastics for many years. She left there to work for the State of New York at the Long Island Developmental Center for a few years but returned to TriMold, where she worked until her retirement. After retirement, Rebecca became a Mary Kay consultant striving for that Pink Cadillac! All of her life, Rebecca attended church and had a strong religious conviction. After arriving to New York, she joined St. John Baptist Church in Copiague, NY under the leadership of Reverend Buck Rogers. Continuing to follow where the Lord led her, Rebecca became one of the founding members of Mt. Nebo Missionary Baptist Church in Amityville, NY, under the leadership of Pastor Jackson Drinks. She held many roles which included, the Pastor’s Aide President, President of the Women’s Day Committee, President of the Hospitality Committee, Member of the Missionary Board, President of the Senior Choir and a Sunday School Teacher. A favorite solo she sang with her daughter Joyce was I am So Grateful. This was always a special request from the congregation. In 1998, after retirement, Rebecca moved to Lawrenceville, GA and joined Pleasant Hill Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. Ronald Dunnigan. Continuing with her strong religious conviction, Rebecca found her place of service and ministry at PHBC serving in the Missionary Ministry until her health failed. She also displayed her love for pastors by serving as president of the Pastor's Aide Ministry. Mother Kelly, as she was known at PHBC, was a faithful attendee on Wednesdays Bible Study and Prayer Meeting. Rebecca’s memory will be forever cherished by her daughter Yvonne Neal, Lawrenceville, GA. Grandchildren, Kimberly Neal, Lawrenceville, GA, Cynthia Neal, Raleigh, NC, Gregory Lee, Amityville, NY, Victor Neal, Lindenhurst, NY, Sean Dennison, Lawrenceville, GA. Great grandchildren Seqouya Allen-Lee, Louisville, KY, Shayna Tucker, Amityville, NY, Kyanna Grooms (Aaron), Loganville, GA, Addyson Neal, Amityville, NY, Graceyn Neal, Amityville, NY, Jaxson Holman, Lindenhurst, NY. Great great granddaughter Aryn Grooms, Loganville, GA. Nieces, Mary Alice Snell, DeSoto, TX, Rose, Ann Green, Mobile, AL. Nephews Rozman Thomas (Monica), Jonesborough, GA, Booker Harris (Tina), Islip, NY. A host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. Last but not least, Laverne Marks, who was more than just a caretaker but considered as family, a friend, a confidant and her partner in food crime. The family truly appreciates you. Rebecca was preceded in death by her parents Richard and Alice Harris. Husband Elbert Kelly, Daughter Minister Joyce Dennison, brothers, Aaron Harris, Roosevelt Harris, Richard Harris III, Booker T. Harris and sister Annie Mae Thomas. Celebration of Life Service will be held on SATURDAY, December 9, 2023 at, Senior Pastor Ronald D. Dunnigan. Visitation will be held on Friday, December 8, 2023 from 3:00PM-8:00PM. Interment will take place at Gwinnett Memorial. Please express your condolences here on our website. Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, 914 Scenic Hwy., Lawrenceville, GA 30045 (Gwinnett Chapel), 770.338.5558

Tributes

Rebecca Kelly

December 8, 1930 - November 28, 2023