Barbara Kelly, 93, of Orange, passed away on January 11, 2022 in Port Arthur.
Born in New Philadelphia, Ohio on July 21, 1928, she was the daughter of Joseph and Mary Cope. She moved to Texas after graduating from Mount Union College in Ohio. She became a physical therapist for 41 years, mostly working at the former Orange Memorial Hospital. She was an avid book reader and was board member of the Orange Public Library. After she retired she enjoyed volunteering at the Orange Library, Lutcher Theater, and her beloved First Presbyterian Church. She will be missed by all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, John H. Kelly; her daughter-in-law, Rita Kelly; her two brothers and sister; her parents, Joseph and Mary Cope; and most of her relatives and friends as she lived a full and long life.
She is survived by her sons, Andrew Kelly and wife Priscilla of Palm Harbor, Florida, and Kevin Kelly of Mauriceville; her grandson, Chance Kelly of Mauriceville; and various nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the Hospice Care Team of Beaumont for their great work.
Due to the covid pandemic, at this time services will be postponed. Her ashes will be placed next to her husband at the columbarium at First Presbyterian Church of Orange, Texas.
Cremation arrangements will be under the direction of Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.
Condolences
Debbie Avant
January 26, 2022
My deepest sympathy to Kevin and Andy. Your Mom was such a smart, kind and compassionate lady. She will be missed! We early Greenway Park folks have her stamped in our hearts...lots of good memories there!
Wanda Simar
January 19, 2022
My Daughter Julie Patronella called Me a few a minutes Ago. She asked Me,
“Wasn’t Barbara Kelly Mam Maw’s (Nola Donaldson) therapist sometimes?
Yes she was.
I am surprised Julie remembered her. Julie was a pre-teen in the 70’s.
She would accompany my sister Charlotte Ewing To Orange
For Julie To remember Barbara for over 40 years, Barbara had To be an amazing woman
I remember Barbara as a kind, caring, and loving women. I am positive she will be missed by all who loved her.
Wanda Simar
James Clark
January 17, 2022
My condolences to Barbara’s family. Lutcher Theater volunteers are like family, and Barbara devoted so much time and effort to helping usher hundreds of Lutcher Theater events. She and John were two of our favorites. Well read is an understatement when describing Barbara. So glad I got to know both of them. Sincerely, Jim Clark