Elizabeth C. Kelsey

Elizabeth “Dibba” Carrington Kelsey died August 1, 2014. She was born in Cayce, Mississippi on August 13, 1919. She moved to Collierville at age 5, residing with her parents and eight siblings at 159 College Street. She graduated from Collierville High School and attended the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, where she was selected a "Class Favorite" and Freshman Queen of the Engineering Club. She joined Delta, Delta, Delta sorority and was recognized last year by the Shelby County Tri Delta Club for 75 years of active participation. In 1938 she was selected Queen of the Collierville Cheese Carnival to represent the town dairy industry. Her photo from the parade is featured on the book cover of the Collierville edition of Images of America. On May 19, 1939 she married the love of her life, James Thomas Kelsey of Collierville. Their loving marriage lasted almost seventy-two years. She was an active member of the United Methodist Church, served as President of the UMW and as a Circle leader, and faithfully welcomed all visitors to the church with her infectious smile and outgoing personality. She later served as Secretary of the Shelby County American Cancer Society, President of the VFW Auxiliary, President of the Collierville Contemporary Club, Board member of the Tennessee PTA, and President of the Shelby County PTA. She loved the game of bridge and played in several bridge clubs weekly. She was the last charter member of the Wednesday Bridge Club, which she organized in 1941. Its inception and longevity were featured several years ago in an article in the Commercial Appeal. Last month, she spoke at the ribbon -cutting of the Carrington at Schilling Farms, a multi-use development by Boyle Investment honoring her name and legacy to Collierville. She was preceded in death by her husband, James; her oldest son, James Thomas Kelsey, Jr.; her parents, Vance Moffatt and Cora Camille Lumsden Carrington; and her eight siblings. Her legacy will continue through her two sons, William McDonald (Judy) and Robert Carrington (Kay); her daughter-in-law, Rachel; her five grandsons, Jeff, Chad, Frank, Carr, and Brian Kelsey; her granddaughter, Deborah Woody; and her nine great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends Sunday, August 3 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Collierville Funeral Home. A service of celebration will be held Monday, August 4 at 11 a.m. at the Sanctuary on the Square in Collierville with interment at Magnolia Cemetery. The family requests that memorials be made to the Collierville United Methodist Church Sanctuary on the Square Fund, 454 West Poplar Ave., Collierville, TN 38017 or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be made at www.colliervillefuneral.com Collierville Funeral Home 901-853-2628