Ms. Mary L. Kelly

 Mary Kelly, 96, passed away peacefully on August 28th, 2021 at her residence.  

Mary Kelly, was the fifth child of Tommy and Annie Bell, born in Meridian, Mississippi January 6, 1925. Mary made her transition to meet our Lord, Jesus Christ on August 28th, 2021 from her home in Kansas City, Missouri.

Mary Kelly had an illustrious career in Nursing, resulting in thirty years of service to the Veterans Administration as Supervisor.  She completed nursing school in Columbia, South Carolina, obtained her Bachelor of Science in Social Studies from Allen and Benedict College, and received her Masters in Nursing from University of Missouri, Kansas City. 

Mary worked as a civilian nurse with officer’s status at Fort Hood Army Hospital, Fort Hood, Texas. She was the first African American nurse at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Marlin, Texas.

Mary would continue her professional career path in Kansas City, Missouri where she would retire from the federal government after decades of service.

Mary had been employed by the Federal Government for over thirty years. Mary retired in 1986, but continued her profession. She worked at Visiting Nurses Association, Home Health Care, Laubach Literacy Council of Kansas City, Missouri, and Catholic Charities.    

Mary served as the president Emeritus on the Swope Corridor/Upper Room board; board member of the Swope Ridge Geriatric Center, a community activist, member of the Town Fork Creek Neighborhood Association, and board member of The Upper Room, where with community leaders would play an integral role in the establishment of the Upper Room, and later be blessed with a community center named The Mary Kelly Center. 

Mary was an active member of Swope Park United Christian Church where she continued to utilize her knowledge and skills in the Health Ministry at her church.  

Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, September 8, 2021, 11:00am at Mt. Moriah. Interment  Mausoleum Entombment . Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 7, 2021, from 5pm-7pm at the chapel. Service conducted by Watkins Heritage Chapel. Condolences may be shared on our website. Due to COVID-19 protocols, social distancing and face coverings are required indoors.

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