of Conway, AR

April 12, 1937 - May 20, 2022

Norma Jean (Baker) Kelley, 85, peacefully passed from this earth surrounded by family, on Friday, May 20, 2022. She was born in Leslie, Arkansas on April 12, 1937 to Buster and Jeanette (Harness) Baker, both of whom preceded her in death. She was an only child. Norma accepted Christ and was baptized at a young age and remained steadfast in her Christian beliefs throughout her life. She grew up in New Hopewell Baptist Church in Leslie, AR where she was the church pianist and remained a faithful member.

On November 9, 1956, she married her sweetheart, Bill Kelley, who survives her. They have had a wonderful 65 years together. Norma also leaves to cherish her memory, her daughter, Valerie Hayes of Fort Smith and granddaughter, Kelley Hayes of Fort Smith.

Norma grew up surrounded by several loving aunts, uncles and cousins. She was a 1955 graduate of Leslie High School. She loved to talk about being the manager of the girls high school basketball team. She was a proud Leslie Bulldog.

In 1960, Norma and her husband, Bill moved to Conway to raise their daughter and have remained Conway residents for over 60 years. Norma was a stay-at-home mom and homemaker. After her daughter graduated from college, Norma returned to work at the University of Central Arkansas Torreyson Library as a technical assistant. She became the library's first part-time employee and loved every minute of it for over 26 years. She cherished those friendships.

Norma deeply loved her family and friends and loved spending time with them. She was kind and always early. She loved cooking and was an excellent cook. She enjoyed playing the piano, meeting friends for a coke, watching Arkansas Razorback basketball games, playing card games, which included Skipbo, over the last several years, supporting Toad Suck Daze since it's inception and going with family to Branson a few times a year. Norma also loved holidays and celebrations. She always had decorations for every event, loving balloons. These traditions she has carried on through her granddaughter.

Our hearts are broken but we are at peace knowing she has been healed from dementia.

The family would like to thank Dr. Randal Bowlin, Nurse Courtney Perry and Hospice Home Care, Melissa Hight, Catelynn Abbott and Collins for the love and exceptional care they have given.

Honorary pallbearers are; Jim Acree, Charles Harness, Larry Lawrence, Johnny Mullins and Keith Mullins.

Funeral services will be at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home, 650 Central Landing Blvd., Conway, AR, on Friday, May 27, 2022 at 2:00pm. Visitation will precede the service from 1:00pm until 2:00 pm. The final committal will be held at the funeral home. Burial will be at East Lawn Cemetery in Marshall, AR.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-McNutt Funeral Home
650 Central Landing Blvd.
Conway, AR  72032
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com