Ms. Emma Lee Kelly

“Her master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!"

Ms. Emma Lee Kelly peacefully received her heavenly wings on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. Her life, marked by love, unwavering devotion to family, and service to others, has left a lasting legacy. Emma was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. We are forever grateful to God for blessing us with her presence, and we take great pride in sharing the story of a life so beautifully lived.

Born on March 7, 1952, in Columbia, South Carolina, Emma was the daughter of the late Mr. Arthur Kelly and Mrs. Leila Mae Kelly. After the loss of her parents at a young age, she was lovingly raised by her grandparents, Mrs. Agnes Charley Haynes and A.B. Haynes. Emma attended Norfield High School in 1970 before relocating to Washington, D.C., where she completed her education and graduated from Dunbar High School. Later, she pursued further studies at Washington Technical Institute in Washington, D.C.

Emma was dedicated to her work and always gave more than what was expected. Her devotion to the Lord and her community was evident in her many acts of service, including five years as Jr. Choir Director at Samaria Missionary Baptist Church in Springfield, South Carolina. Her faithfulness extended to her home, where she lovingly cared for family and friends, providing meals, comfort, and a place for others to feel at home. She cherished spending time with loved ones and created a space of joy by hosting card games and teaching her grandson, Rashad’s friends, how to play “TUNK.” She considered his friends as her own children.

Her career spanned several decades. She spent many years at Edens Real Estate in Washington, D.C., and worked for 13 years at Salley Manufacturing before retiring as a supervisor after 20 years at the Sara Lee Plant in Barnwell, South Carolina.

Emma’s family was her greatest treasure. She is survived by her two daughters, Mrs. Ann Hay-Sims (Corey) of Blythewood, South Carolina, and Mrs. Angela Glover (Jerry) of Bamberg, South Carolina. Her love extended to her grandchildren: Rashad Hay (Rosalinda), Asonte Fullington-Smith, Shamon Hay, and Trey Smith, as well as her five greatest treasures her great-grandchildren: Zy’niya Tyler-Hay, Brooklyn Hay, Kaleb Govan, Logan Hay, and her sweet angel, Ay’rlan Ladson, who brought Emma immense joy with every phone call and FaceTime. Emma also adored her grandpuppy, Pebbles Sims, who was a special part of her life.

In addition to her immediate family, Emma’s heart was filled with love for her adopted children: Charles Patterson (Tonia), Wayne Washington (Betty), Alma Johnson (Tiny), and August Murray. She cherished her godchildren—Samantha Clifton, Walter James, Geronda Gillins, Robert James, and Henry James—as well as her god sister, Eartha “Tiny” Lawton, and god brother, Daryl Dorey. Emma’s extended family included the Bines family of Timmonsville, South Carolina, and the Williams family (Clara) from the Springfield-Salley area.

Emma was deeply blessed by the care and support of several close friends during her illness, with special thanks to Alma Johnson (Tiny), Clarie Patterson, and Althea Jackson. She counted on these three women for everything- Her lifelong friends—Virginia James Gaffney, Mary Knotts, Martha Amiker, and Carolyn Holliday—were her steadfast sisters, always by her side from the days of Goodland and Norfield High School until the very end.

Emma’s kindness, love, and dedication will forever live in the hearts of all who knew her. She leaves behind an indelible mark on the lives of her family and friends.

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant! You will truly be missed, but you will remain etched in our hearts forever.”

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