Lula Belle Kelly

Lula Belle Turner Kelly (98), of Longview, Texas was called home on Saturday, April 13, 2024.

Lula Belle was born July 13, 1925, to parents, James Buchanan Turner and Katie Chula Turner of DeCordova Bend, Texas. She was one of nine children; and as the oldest, she honed her skills as a wonderful caretaker. Lula Belle had a gift for making everyone she met feel valued and cherished.

She married Roy H. Kelly on September 1, 1945, and had four children: Larry, Micheal, Shannon, and Robin.

She was also a beloved mother figure to 25 of her children's friends throughout the 1960s and 70s. Lu initiated the Santa Claus Christmas Cup reunion that began in 1964. This along with her annual birthday parties were instrumental in keeping all of her "kids" in touch with one another. These parties were the unofficial family reunions.

Lu had the gift of communication and storytelling, especially about her life as a child and as a mother. The knowledge she possessed would amaze anyone who had the privilege of sitting and talking with her. Her memory was remarkable, a rare gift that allowed her to remember birthdays, anniversaries, and names with ease throughout her entire life. Those who were close to her understood her affinity for the color purple, along with her cherished collection of Mardi Gras beads and costume jewelry. She appeared to have the remarkable ability to devour a book within days and had the rare quality of making friends with everyone she met.

Lu would often start a conversation with "Now, Hun....." and end with "be sweet." In her later years, she would subtly share her faith by stating, "I hope our mansions are in the same neighborhood." Lula Belle Kelly left a trail of kindness, and all can agree that she was one special lady.

She was preceded in death by husband, Roy Kelly; son, Larry Kelly; son-in-law, Lee Fleet; brothers, Bud and James; and sisters, Katie; Mitzi; Ruby Nell; Mazana and Eddy Mae.

Those left to cherish her memory are: sister, Frances Carpenter of Burelson; son and daughter-in-law, Micheal and Susan Kelly of Longview; daughters, Shannon Fleet of Avinger and Robin Alston of White Oak; grandson, Chris Alston; granddaughters, Tricia Kelly; Angela Kelly and partner, Matt Schnable; Rachel Hudson and husband, Baxter; Amber Maitland and husband, Craig; Elaine Chosa and husband, Kory; and Stephanie Alston and Shaun Johnson; great-grandchildren, Maria; Andrew; Kyle; Leah; Taylor; Matthew; Skylar; Trenton; Cameron; Tyler and Emilee; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A visitation for Lula Belle Turner Kelly will be held on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. followed by services at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Welch Funeral Home.

Interment will be Thursday, April 18, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. in George's Creek Cemetery in Glen Rose, Texas.