Ella Mae Kelley

Ella Mae Bodiford Kelley, 99, passed away peacefully on December 13, 2024, at home in Montgomery, Alabama. Ella Mae was born on March 14, 1925, on the family farm owned by her parents, Dock and Ersie Melenda Bodiford, in Highland Home, Alabama. The farm is still in the family over 100 years later, and is proudly maintained by her son, Danny. She had seven siblings: Era Mae, Sarah, Calldris, Teasley, James, Dewey, and Billy, all of whom predeceased her. Ella Mae loved reminiscing about her happy childhood, and she followed Highland Home football all her life. On March 15, 1944, Ella Mae married Cecil Boyd Kelley. They were blessed with four children, Sara, Gary (both of whom predeceased her), Danny (Barbara) and Shelia, who will always cherish their memories of her. Ella Mae and Cecil owned and operated Kelley's Cleaners and Laundry, where they worked side-by-side for 32 years. Their marriage lasted 62 years until Cecil's death in 2006. Ella Mae was a kind-hearted, gentle woman who always saw the good in everyone, and she was beloved by all who knew her. She loved her Heavenly Father, her family, the Crimson Tide, and the Atlanta Braves. She was blessed with a large family, and she was proud of every one. Her grandchildren are: Danny Kelley II (Anita); Chris Edwards, Gary Edwards (Katie), and Chad Edwards (Tonya); Dane Ward; Lee Williams (Leesa) and Beverly Williams; and Andy Hardeman, Amy Hardeman, and Chris (Emi) Hardeman. Ella Mae had numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Ella Mae was especially close to her niece, Patsy Blue Sloat, and her nephews Carson, Harry, and Bobby Blue and their families. A Celebration of Life, officiated by Carson Blue, will be held on December 19, 2024 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at at Leak Memory Funeral Home, with visitation one hour prior. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. Pallbearers are Danny Kelley II, Chris Edwards, Gary Edwards, Chad Edwards, Lee Williams, Parker Kelley, and Andy Hardeman. Memorial donations can be made to Amedisys Hospice; 8160 Decker Lane; Montgomery, AL 36117.