of Searcy, AR
July 31, 1928 - March 17, 2021
Mona Jean Kelly, our beloved mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend passed away peacefully on March 17th, 2021 in Searcy, Arkansas at the age of 92. Mona was born in Bayland, MS on July 31st, 1928 to Norman and Leslie Samuelson. She attended Tchula High School and graduated from City Hospital School of Nursing in 1950 as a Registered Nurse. She met the love of her life, William F. Kelly and they married in 1951. They traveled and moved often as Bill served in the Air Force in the US and overseas. Mona loved being a homemaker and mother to their 3 children, Belinda, William (Billy), and Kim. They settled in Searcy, Arkansas after Bill retired and built a wonderful life there. She was a very dedicated member of First Baptist Church where she served as the toddler Sunday school teacher for many years. She was also the director of nursing for the Leisure Lodge nursing home in Searcy, AR from 1973-1991. She cared deeply for the patients and loved teaching and guiding her employees to do the same.
Mona had an incredible servant's heart and chose to spend her time volunteering with the Samaritan's House ministry, visiting nursing homes and hospitals, and ministering to the widows in her church. She loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren immensely and always enjoyed having them in her home. She loved tending to her garden every year and
was an avid reader.
She is preceded in death by her parents Norman and Leslie Samuelson, her husband William F. Kelly, her brothers Alvin, Melvyn, and Norman Samuelson, sister Sylvia Tramel, brother-in-law Lee Tramel, brother-in-law Ben Gainey, sister-in-law Virginia Samuelson, and son-in-law Richard Burns.
She is survived by her children Belinda Burns, William (Billy) Kelly and his wife Lisa, and Kim and her husband Mike Wise; her brother David and his wife Becky Samuelson, and sisters Myrtle Gainey and Rosemary Samuelson, and sister-in-law Evelyn Samuelson; her grandchildren Ragan Burns, his wife Shanna and their son Asher, Chad Burns, his wife Heather and their sons Hunter and Carter, Jared Burns and his wife Allie, Mallory Meier, her husband David and their children Caleb, Noah and Hannah, Gracie Pratt, her husband Jordan and their son Bear, Abigail Wise, Evie Wise, Jack Henry Wise along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was a blessing to many and will be dearly missed by her family, friends, and community. A
celebration of her wonderful life will be held on Thursday, March 25th. Visitation will be at 1 pm
followed by the service at 2 pm at First Baptist Church, Searcy, Arkansas. Interment will be at White County Memorial Gardens.
Online guestbook: rollerfuneralhomes.com/searcy
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14 Condolence(s)
Phyllis Trickey
Thursday, April 1, 2021
From all the comments and descriptions from various people of your mom, Belinda...I sure would of loved to of known her! She sounds like one who faithfully stayed the course and with a loving and "young at heart" attitude throughout her godly journey her upon this earth. There is a space in ones heart that only a mother can fill...I pray the good LORD undergirds and comforts you and your family and friends with the precious memories and the hope the Christian has of reuniting again on heaven's shore. â¤ï¸
Janet Williams
Thursday, March 25, 2021
Mona was indeed a treasure to all who knew her. Her years of teaching preschoolers at church was a lasting investment in the lives of children and their families. Grateful for her
young-at-heart attitude and wonderful legacy!
Denise Hall Dickinson
Thursday, March 25, 2021
Oh the little ones Mrs Kelly cradled! She helped raise so many in her years in nursery service and also was such an asset to her profession of nursing in her years as an RN. She was such an amazing neighbor and friend to my mom, Donna Hall, even forming a tighter bond after they both were widowed, serving in the community and visiting the shut ins together and having more laughs and joy as sisters in Christ. She was always wanting to host us and cook and share what she had. A true servant and angel on earth. Heaven got one coming in with experience. Love and miss her so much.
Carolyn Cox
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
Mrs. Kelly was an inspiration to so many. It was a privilege and a pleasure to work with her.
Kerry Stark
Tuesday, March 23, 2021
Mona was a special person who showed real joy in serving others. Sending prayers of peace and comfort for her family.
Jeff and Tiffany Whitlock
Tuesday, March 23, 2021
Aunt Mona meant the world to us and we will truly miss her. I’m certain Uncle Bill was glad to see her and now they are reunited for eternity. Our prayers are with all of you.
The Maples Family
Tuesday, March 23, 2021
Mrs. Mona Kelly served our family well as she taught all of our children in the 2-year old Sunday School class at FBC. Over the years, she made sure to keep up with each of their ongoings and prayed for their needs. She was dear to each of our hearts and will be missed.
Ross and Carol Pyeatt
Tuesday, March 23, 2021
How we loved and appreciated Mrs. Mona for all the years
we lived in Searcy and served with her at First Baptist Church. She loved working with preschoolers and was such a blessing to many families.
Joy Freel
Tuesday, March 23, 2021
Mrs. Mona was such a sweet friend to our mother, Blanche Crouch. Her friendship meant a lot to our mom. Praying for you all as you miss her.
James and Marylan Kelly
Monday, March 22, 2021
A wonderful, sweet and loving Aunt. We will miss her.
Cloie Ross
Monday, March 22, 2021
A precious lady and dear friend who taught me so much about caring for others. She was a blessing in my life.
Wynette Hughes
Sunday, March 21, 2021
Mrs. Mona was truly a Proverbs 31 woman. When we attended church together several years ago, I was honored to be her assistant in teaching toddlers. She loved those kids & they loved her. She was such an inspiration.
Tommie Pemberton
Saturday, March 20, 2021
Always knew I was in the presence of an angel. I have so much love,admiration and respect for “mrs Kelly†as she was called by all who worked with her. My mentor and guide!
Mary Moffitt Harris
Saturday, March 20, 2021
A Precious, Sweet Lady, we attended church together several years ago.