Beatrice Kelly (Lansing)

Ms. Beatrice Kelly was born on March 5, 1944, to Nathan Kelley Sr. and Beatrice Kelley (Lauderdale) in Portageville, Missouri. She transitioned to her heavenly home on April 27, 2022, at her residence in Lansing, Michigan, surrounded by her loving family. Age 78 years. 

In 1951, Beatrice along with her parents and siblings relocated from Missouri to Benton Harbor, Michigan. She accepted Christ in her life at an early age at New Bethel Baptist Church in Benton Harbor, Michigan under the leadership of Elder Raspberry.  She hailed many nicknames and was known to many as “Nonnie”, “Bea”, “Miss Bea”, her late father called her “Lil Bit” but, her favorite people called her “Momma” or “Gram”.

Beatrice relocated from Benton Harbor, Michigan to Lansing, Michigan to pursue a better life for her and her children. Prior to leaving Benton Harbor, she attended Benton Harbor High School. She finished her education in Lansing, Michigan attaining her diploma from West Junior High School as Valedictorian.

While in Lansing, Bea worked various jobs and retired from General Motors in 2006 after twenty-seven years of hard work and dedication to the company. 

Bea was known for many things such as her gut-wrenching laugh, her unconditional love, her cooking, and her tough love yet gentle soul. You could talk to her about anything and not feel judged. Most of all she was praised for the pride she took in raising her five sons, how clean she kept them, and her many sacrifices to make sure they were well taken care of. She enjoyed celebrating with family, fishing, spending time with her grandchildren, and, listening to endless hours of gospel music, especially her favorites “The Canton Spirituals” and Donnie McClurkin.

She leaves to cherish her memory five sons, Maurice Kelly of Lansing, Michigan, Brian (Angela) Kelly of Louisville, Kentucky, Melvin Kelly of Lansing, Michigan, Marcus (Tara) Kelly of Ypsilanti, Michigan and, Stacy Kelly of Canton, Georgia; eleven grandchildren,  Keisha Pointer, Brian Kelly, Ciara Kelly, and Malachi Kelly all of Lansing, Michigan, Braylon Kelly, Braxton Kelly and, Callen Kelly all of Ypsilanti, Michigan, Aubrey Kelly and Maliah Kelly of Canton, Georgia, Jaliyah Kelly of Louisville, Kentucky and Mariah Kelly of Clermont, Florida; four great-grandchildren, Jeremiah Kelly, Maliah Durrett, Kyrie King, and special great-granddaughter, Kailyn Calhoun; brother, James Kelley of Benton Harbor, Michigan; four sisters, Dorothy Groves of South Bend, Indiana, Annie Davis, Jeanette (Walter) Banks, and Jerlene Kelley-Lewis all of Lansing, Michigan; many nieces, nephews, and loved ones, including “special friend” Leslie Thomas of Benton Harbor, Michigan.

She is preceded in death by her grandson, Brandon Kelly; parents, Nathan Kelley, Sr. and Beatrice Kelley; six brothers, Obe, Peter, Nathan, Jr., Charlie, Sr., Eugene, and Jonathon.