Patricia Ann Kerley (“Pat”) passed away on May 4, 2023. She was born on July 6, 1942, in Mississippi, to Bolivar L. Long and Elsie Morris Long. She was a devoted wife to her husband of 56 years, James Louis Kerley, who passed away the day before her.
Pat attended Bartlett High School and Tennessee Tech University, where she earned her degree in education. She went on to teach at Millington Middle School for over thirty years, touching countless lives with her passion for teaching and dedication to her students. Her kindness, sense of humor, and selflessness were admired by all who knew her, and she remained a treasured friend to many.
Pat was an avid reader, passing this love down to her children and grandchildren. She loved her pets and hosting family gatherings. She was easy going and up for pretty much doing anything, even countless car shows.
Pat was a devoted wife and mother, and nothing brought her more joy than spending time with her family. She was the proud mother of J. Phillip Kerley (Carrie) and Benjamin Blake Kerley (Kelly) and delighted in becoming a grandmother to Emma, Caroline, and Benjamin. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, including Larry Kerley and Larry Long, who she considered her children.
Pat was preceded in death by her siblings Juanita Long, Bobby Roy Long, Bonnie Long Bishop, Charles Long, Joyce Long Wadley, and Ray Long. The family wishes to acknowledge the loving care provided by Jacqueline Schwab and other caregivers during Pat's long illness.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, May 13, 2023, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at Memphis Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens, 3700 N. Germantown Road, with a private family graveside service immediately following. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Patricia Ann Kerley will be deeply missed, but her legacy of kindness, love, and devotion to her family will live on.
James Lewis Kerley, a distinguished veteran of the United States Army and beloved member of the Bartlett, Tennessee community, passed away on May 3, 2023, at 78. He was born in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 16, 1945, to Jessie D. Kerley and Mary Juanita Kerley. He was the devoted husband of Patricia Ann Kerley for 56 years, who passed the following day.
James was a man of many talents and accomplishments. He served as Executive Secretary Treasurer of the Mid-South Carpenters Regional Council, as well as the Business Agent for The Home Builders Association and Carpenters Local 345 in Memphis. For his achievements in these roles, he was honored with the Thousand Points of Light Award from President George H.W. Bush. In his free time, James enjoyed building antique cars and woodworking.
Above all, James cherished his role as a husband, father, and grandfather. He was a proud father to his sons, J. Phillip Kerley (Carrie) and Benjamin Blake Kerley (Kelly), and a loving “Poppy” to his granddaughters Emma and Caroline, and grandson Benjamin. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Lawler (Bob) of Covington, Tennessee, and brothers Don Kerley (Elaine) of Oakland, Tennessee and Joseph G. Kerley (Tanyia) of Memphis. James was preceded in death by his brothers Carl David Kerley, Paul Burkle Kerley, Kerry Mark Kerley, and Jerry John Kerley.
Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Saturday, May 13, 2023, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at Memphis Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens, located at 3700 N. Germantown Road, with a private family graveside service to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in honor of his wife Patricia.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemphisFuneralGermantownParkway.com for the Kerley family.
