of Conway, AR
August 17, 2023
Lillian "Rebecca" Lawrence Kelley, 62, passed away on the morning of August 17, 2023, surrounded by those she loved. She leaves a void that cannot be filled, and our hearts are broken.
Rebecca was a lifelong Conway resident and loved her community through feeding children, building churches, serving youth programs, leading choirs and loving people. She married the love of her life, Greg Kelley, on Valentine's Day in 1981. They built a beautiful life together and raised the pride and joy of their lives: their three children. Rebecca was the strong and steady matriarch. She would drop anything for her family at any time without a second thought.
Rebecca had many titles in her life: daughter, wife, mom, friend, cafeteria manager, Peggy, Bec, "RK" and more. Her favorite of all of these was certainly "Mimsy". She loved her grandkids fiercely, always in the way they needed! She proudly cheered for them at every dance recital, baseball game, softball game, football game, soccer match, band concert and assembly.
Rebecca lost Greg, the love of her life, to cancer in 2019. They spent 38 years together and after his passing, she showed tremendous resilience and strength. She did exactly what Greg would have wanted and loved hard enough for the both of them. She moved into her own apartment, found a new job and lived her life happily, all while loving on her family and countless students at Conway High for the last 28 years.
Rebecca is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Greg Kelley and her father, Dee Lawrence. She is survived by her children, Jessica Kelley, Matthew Kelley (Brittany) and Nathan Kelley (Lainey). Mimsy will be immeasurably missed by Noah, Mason, Kenlee, Nora, Rory, Ella, Archer and Wren. She is also survived by her mother, LaVone Lawrence; her siblings, Ruella Gill (Terry), Randy Lawrence (Sharon), Rita Stapleton (Rick), Renee Stone (JD); numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.
A Memorial Service to celebrate her amazing life will be held on September 12, 2023, at 6:00PM at Conway High School Auditorium.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like to direct donations to the Caring Cats program at Conway High School.
Sign Guestbook
22 Condolence(s)
Columbus
Sunday, October 8, 2023
What a true friend,you and greg were,loved jesus loved life,and we couldnt wait to retire,and really go places. we so encouraged one another,over the years when we were tired of work and ready to wholly serve God,we talked about wonderful,people places, Restaurant ,but most of all ,our Jesus,the common denomonator, Than Greg,left us ,we kept the faith encouraging one another,through it all, Now your gone, to be with our jesus and greg. i called you Sunnybrook because you still had the light of God but appeared to be waiting for someone,by the brook of still water flowing gently. Now He has come for you my Jesus, now there is only a brook .Columbus and Marie are waiting. For our jesus who is at the still waters of the brook where our earthly friends left. we miss you two dearly Tuggles
Tim David
Thursday, September 14, 2023
I'm sorry for your loss. She was a nice person.
Patricia ortiz
Saturday, August 26, 2023
To Rebaccas children, Mother I met Rebecca a couple years ago when I went for a family reunion. Rebecca was a kind and lovely person was a pleasure to meet. She was the wife of my cousin Greg Kelly. I know this is a great loss to her kids and grand chrildren my heart goes out to you. I know Your mom and dad are always with you watching over you. Your mom and dad are reunited again forever together. My sincere condolences Patricia Ortiz (Peters)
Eileen Hauser
Thursday, August 24, 2023
So sorry to hear of Rebecca’s passing, she was a lovely person.
Holly Hamrick
Thursday, August 24, 2023
Jessica, Mathew, Nathan and Renee, I was so shocked to hear this. My heart breaks for all of you!! Rebecca was such a wonderful friend. I loved being in choir with her and Greg. So many fun memories. She will surely be missed!! My prayers are with you!! ðŸ™ðŸ™
Dianne Weatherley
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
I worked at Conway High many years while Rebecca was cafeteria manager and she was always nice to me and the ladies that worked for her seemed to get along great with her. I knew her and Greg both to be very kind, likable christian people. I am sorry for your loss. My prayers for the family.
Carla Rice
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
She was like a sister we worked together over 25 years she will truly be missed. â¤ï¸ carla Rice always in my 💜
Holly Hamrick
Monday, August 21, 2023
Jessica, Mathew, Nathan and Renee, I was so shocked to hear this. My heart breaks for all of you!! Rebecca was such a wonderful friend. I loved being in choir with her and Greg. So many fun memories. She will surely be missed!! My prayers are with you!! ðŸ™ðŸ™
Bob Barham
Monday, August 21, 2023
My deepest sympathy for this good family. I will be praying for you all during this difficult time and in the coming days. So sorry for your loss. God Bless
Jerry Williams
Sunday, August 20, 2023
I have know the family for many years (Dee & LaVone). My children knew Rebecca & Greg. A fine family!
Praying for LaVone & the children.
Johnny Opitz
Sunday, August 20, 2023
It breaks my heart to see this. I’ve known Rebecca all my life, she was always a sweetheart. I pray the Lord grants you all comfort during this difficult time.
Donna Blake
Sunday, August 20, 2023
I can only imagine what you are experiencing now…. being in the presence of Jesus. We were all so very shocked that your leaving was so sudden and we couldn’t say goodbye. I know you are “in a better place†but that doesn’t mean we won’t miss you. Know you were greatly loved by so many who knew you. I know I’ll see you again one day. I love you. â¤ï¸ðŸ’•
Donna
PS. Say hello to Phillip for me.
Lisa Buck
Sunday, August 20, 2023
Lainey and Nathan and family,
I’m so very sorry about the loss of your mom. Thinking of you all.
Kent Mathis
Saturday, August 19, 2023
I new Rebecca as a school classmate and friend! I had the pleasure of teaching at CHS-Career Center for 31 years and enjoyed seeing and talking to her often. She was a good person with a great smile that would warm anyone’s heart! I say with great confidence that she will be missed but our loss is heavens gain! My prayers to the family and friends who are left behind, may the lord shed his grace upon you all during this time of grief!
Linda Wall
Saturday, August 19, 2023
I have so many wonderful memories of Rebecca. Singing in the choir with her and Greg, church choir trips to Eureka Springs, and hearing her and Greg sing together! Praying for all the family during this difficult time. ðŸ™â¤ï¸ðŸ™â¤ï¸
Randy Nokes
Saturday, August 19, 2023
Rita,
So Sorry For your Loss, I Knew Dee Well but Didn’t Know Rebecca was your Sister, we Went to Church with Her and Greg at Pickles Gap. Praying for Your Family.
Pam White Dunavant
Saturday, August 19, 2023
Jessica, Mathew, Nathan, LaVone & Ruella, I am so saddened to hear of Rebecca's passing. I don't have to tell you how precious she was - I always remember her smile and quiet strength. She & Greg raised three great kids and left you a wonderful legacy. I'm praying God's strength, peace and comfort for all your family.
Pam Lee
Saturday, August 19, 2023
LaVone and Family,
I was so saddened to hear of the loss of your precious Rebecca. I have so many years of special memories of her and Ruella, Randy, Rita and Renee growing up at Second.
What a special family you all are to so many.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Linda Hargis
Saturday, August 19, 2023
I cannot begin to express how very sorry I am for your loss. I have always thought of your entire family as the salt of the earth. I have admired your love for one another and the legacy that you have built as a family. I am praying for God to wrap His mighty arms around you to help you face this grief which I know he will do. Much love to your entire family!ðŸ™ðŸ™ðŸ™â¤ï¸â¤ï¸
Mary Catherine Flanagin Glover
Saturday, August 19, 2023
Keeping each of you in my thoughts and prayers! ðŸ™ðŸ»â¤ï¸
Patti Reynolds
Saturday, August 19, 2023
LaVone, Ruella and family I’m so sorry for your loss. Remembering you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Kaye Talley
Saturday, August 19, 2023
Jessica, Matthew, and Nathan—I am so sorry for your loss. Rebecca was a wonderful person and I was so fortunate to know and love her and your dad. I so enjoyed singing in the choir with them and especially hearing their solos and duets. I still get chills just thinking about Greg singing “I Bowed on My Knees and Cried Holy.†I know they are already singing together again in heaven. It was an honor and a privilege to know them and to worship with them for so many years. I will be praying for you and all your family as you go through this valley in your lives.