Laurie Kelley

Laurie Denise Kelley’s journey began at birth on July 21, 1966 to her parents, the late Charles Kelley, Sr. and Gertrude Kelley in White Plains, New York. Her earthly journey ended on Saturday, April 6, 2024.

Laurie confessed Christ at an early age and joined Calvary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Lester Cousin where she was active in several ministries and activities. She was raised in the Winbrook Community of White Plains. She was educated in the White Plains Public School System from Kindergarten through 12th grade. She attended Mercy College and graduated in 1989. She also attended Pace University and received a Personal Computing Certificate in 2002.

Laurie had a remarkable memory. She could remember specific dates and times of family events. She loved the history of her Alabama roots and often spoke of moving there. She loved and adored her family. She would always call or text for birthdays and holidays.

Laurie was blessed with a beautiful voice and she had a passion for singing and writing music. She sang on many platforms, including The Apollo Theatre and countless open mic nights. She would often share her memories of meeting and singing with the likes of big R&B stars at open mic nights. Laurie was the ultimate foodie. Her favorite food was shrimp macaroni salad. She enjoyed engaging in long conversations and she loved to laugh. She was full of ideas (big and small). Laurie also enjoyed volunteering at local food banks.

Laurie leaves to cherish her memories her loving daughter, Ryanne Gelesia; her mother, Gertrude; a sister, Kiva Kelley; two brothers, Charles Kelley, Jr. and Donnye Kelley; three nieces, Khyra, Christina and Lundon; one nephew, Polo Marquis; three uncles, Hamilton McCants (Sharon, divorced) of Beatrice, AL; Otis McCants, Jr. (Ada) of Cleveland, OH; and James Travis “JT” McCants (Iris) of Beatrice, AL; a brother-in-law, Wayne Franklyn of New Rochelle, NY; a sister-in-law, Iraida Kelley of Atlanta, GA; a special friend, Allan Robertson; and a host of cousins, other relatives and friends.

Laurie was preceded in death by her father, Charles Kelley, Sr.; her sister, Alesia Kelley-Franklyn; her maternal grandparents, Otis, Sr. and Laura McCants; her paternal grandparents, Hardin and Osceola Kelley; a Goddaughter, Tatiana Cha’kel-Deneen (Mickens) Thomas; and a devoted aunt, Julia Cannon.

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ATTENTION: During the continuing health crises, as we gradually phase back into smaller capacity public visitations/services, we need your help in limiting and controlling the number of people, so please govern yourself accordingly for the health & safety of all. Thank you so kindly!

A Wake/Visitation/Viewing will be held on Fri. April 19th, 11:00AM-12:00PM at Calvary Baptist Church with limited capacity, followed by Funeral Service at 12:00Noon. But the church will be live-streaming the services on ZOOM, also available on our website the day of the service where it says WATCH WEBCAST, so you're able to view on ZOOM/there/here also/instead. So you may come to the church to try to attend, with your masks on. At the very least you can get hand sanitizer & sign the register book (NOTE: please feel free to bring your own pen). If not at capacity, you will be allowed in to have a seat; but if at capacity by the time you get there, you may be required to leave the premises after signing register book, so as not to be in violation nor cause a health hazard, so please govern yourself accordingly. Regardless of if you're able to enter/be seated, or not, please refrain from touching/hugging/handshaking, ONLY elbow bumping briefly if at all. If instructed, PLEASE KINDLY RESPECTFULLY leave the building & premises if the church is at their capacity. PLEASE KINDLY RESPECTFULLY follow & abide by the directions of the funeral home staff and/or church or cemetery personnel at all times. We Thank You in advance for following directions & policies, so as to make all go smoothly the day of the services, to eliminate further burden on the family, and to maintain the health & safety of All. Any questions, or if any clarity is needed, please call ahead to the funeral home and/or church, and/or speak to us from a safe distance if present.

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The Entire Staff of Lee's Funeral Home, LLC respects that the family of Laurie Kelley entrusted the care of their loved one to us, and that they value the level of service & attention our funeral home provides. We are honored, in turn, to provide comfort, assistance and service to family of Laurie Kelley during their time of bereavement.

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Please leave written condolences now herein on the Memory Wall to express your sorrow, share your memories, and as an expression of sympathy & way to communicate with/offer comfort to the family, that they and others may see, and may be a lasting tribute in her honor, whether you're able to attend or not. Definitely Please SIGN IN on the Memory Wall as a virtual way of signing the register book, especially if choosing to stay safe/not able to sign in person.

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Please feel free to come to the church wearing a mask, & social distance as much as possible. If you know you have a coronovirus/COVID-19; are sick/experiencing symptoms of coronovirus/COVID-19; are immuno-compromised and/or have health/other conditions that make your body more susceptible to illness, please do NOT attend any services nor come to either facility. Please feel free to bring & use your own pen for signing the family's register book - you are encouraged to please BRING & use your own PEN for signing. Please follow & abide by the rules of the church & cemetery, and directions of the funeral home staff, church and/or cemetery personnel at all times. We Thank You in advance for following directions & any policies, so as to make all go smoothly the day of the services & burial, to eliminate further burden on the family, and to maintain the health & safety of All. Any questions, or if any clarity is needed, please call ahead to the church and/or funeral home, and/or speak to us from a safe distance if present.

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As a lasting tribute, you may choose to plant a tree, and/or a contribution may be made in her name/memory/honor to a church or charity of your choice. If sending flowers, they may be delivered either on Thurs. April 18th, 2024 by/before 6:00PM to Lee's Funeral Home, and/or on Fri. April 19th by/before 10:30AM to Calvary Baptist Church. The Family Thanks You!