Christine L (Smith) Kelly

Christine L. Kelly was born March 2, 1932 in Brookhaven, MS to Thomas L. Smith, Sr. and Irene A. (Middleton) Smith. Christine attended Alexander High School in Brookhaven, MS and graduated at the top of her class as Valedictorian. In 1950, she married her lifelong partner, Otis Kelly and moved to Springfield, MA to begin their true love journey together. Out of this union, they were blessed with 3 daughters, Susan, Jerrilyn and Jaqueline.  Christine became a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and retired from Baystate Medical Center in 1990. Christine’s hobbies included baking, reading, playing Bid Whist, spending time with family and the occasional visit to the casino. Christine was preceded by her parents, Thomas Sr. and Irene Smith, 4 brothers, Thomas Smith Jr., Alfred C. Smith, Enoch Smith Sr. and Francis Smith, 2 sisters, Alice N. Smith and Clara Jordan and step-son Robert Kelly. Christine leaves behind her loving husband of 71 years, Otis Kelly, 3 daughters, Susan Kelly Jones, Jerrilyn Kelly and Jacqueline Moore and her partner, Bernard Boone, 2 sisters,. Catherine Summers (Walter) of Kalamazoo, MI and Polly Collins (Roosevelt) of Dyer, IN., 7 grandchildren, Sheila Crump, Anthony Kelly, Robin N. Kelly, Jordan Jones, Janae Jones, Rickey Moore Jr. and Ryan Moore, 3 great-grandchildren, Anthony Kelly, Alaya Jones and Jordan Noah Jones, a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. Special thanks to the following for their support in caring for Christine while she fought a good fight: Lalaurice Charles, Etta Williams-Crapps, Andrea Dixon, Tracey Hickson, Cheryl Lee, Mary Kelly, Isabelle Padilla and Stella Vogel. Family and friends will gather and remember Christine on Friday, June 10, 2022 from 9am-11am at the Third Baptist Church, 149 Walnut Street, Springfield, Followed by a Service at 11a.m. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Park Cemetery in Springfield. Arrangements entrusted to the Byron Keenan Funeral Home and Cremation Tribute Center, 1858 Allen Street, Springfield, MA, 01118. www.byronkeenan.com