Sugar Creek— Our loving mother and grandmother, Betty “Jane” Kelley of Sugar Creek near Belington, departed this life peacefully on Sunday evening, February 12, 2017, at Talbott’s Personal Care home.She had been in failing health for several years since the passing of her beloved husband, Arnold, and was struggling with dementia over the last four years.
Jane was born on May 20, 1928, in Procious in Clay County, the daughter of Emerson and Mary Susie Browning. She was united in marriage to Arnold Kelley who preceded her in death in 2012. Also preceding in death were siblings Johnny Browning, Oliver Browning, George Browning, Perry Browning, Dolly White, Marie Smith and Freda James. She was also preceded in death by one son, Vernon Dale Kelley, who died shortly after birth.
Jane married Arnold Kelley on November 10, 1951 in Stonewood WV. She was a proud famer’s wife and home maker, providing the necessary love and attention to raising their children and tending the farm that they lived on in Sugar Creek, north of Belington.
Jane was an active and loyal member of Sugar Creek United Methodist Church. She and her husband, Arnold, faithfully attended church every Sunday and she could always be counted on to provide the best lemon dessert for church gatherings.
Jane loved to quilt and was known for her cooking and cake making. She was a quiet woman, who would often step back, allowing others to shine. “Calm” in the room was perhaps the best description of Jane; doting on others brought her tremendous joy in life. One could only feel a sense of “specialness” in her presence and never left her home without a full tummy, a bag of homemade cookies and a smile on their face. Her greatest attribute was her ability to keep her husband Arnold in check, all the while, laughing quietly to herself at his antics. Jane was simply a fine and humble woman who found her strength in Jesus Christ and her family. She will be missed tremendously.
Jane is survived by four children: Harvey Kelley and wife Sandi of Belington, Warren Kelley and wife Betsy of Moundsville, T. Kevin Kelley and wife Cheryl of Belington and Judy Haller, also of Belington. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren: Christine Lanham and husband Chuck, US Army SFC Joseph Kelley and wife Casey, Michael Kelley and wife Wendy, Jennifer George and husband Jason, Cameron Kelley, Lacey Kelley, Skylar Kelley, Madison Kelley, Kazelyn Bennett and husband Chad, Matthew George and wife Jessica, ten great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren.
Jane has several siblings who are left to cherish her memory.They include Ruby Sheldon, Gladys Johnson, Eddie Browning, Jean White and Mary Sue Taylor.
Friends were received at the Talbott Funeral Home, 56 N. Brandenburg Street in Belington on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2017, from 5-9 p.m. On Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2017, Mrs. Kelley was moved to the Sugar Creek United Methodist Church where friends called from 10-1 a.m., the funeral hour, when final rites were conducted from the church with the pastor James “Oz” Gray officiating. Interment then followed in the Sugar Creek Cemetery.
Condolences can be sent to the family at www.talbottfuneralhome.com.The Talbott Funeral Home in Belington is in charge of the arrangements for Mrs. Betty Jane Browning Kelley.
