It is with profound sadness that the Kelley family of Atlanta, Georgia announce the passing from this life of their mother, daughter, sister and aunt, Ms. Donna Marie Kelley, 46, a resident of 792 Magnolia Way in Atlanta. Ms. Kelley transitioned from this life on Thursday, March 10, 2022, at Emory University Midtown in Atlanta.

In Loving Memory Of Ms. Donna Marie Kelley

Donna Marie Kelley was welcomed into the world, a cherished gift to her parents Edward "Bo" Kelley and Gertrude Houston Kelley.  She entered this life on March 21, 1975 in Roanoke. Sadly the death of her father, when she was very young, prompted the family to move to Atlanta.   

Donna attended Atlanta public schools, graduating from North Clayton High School. She went on to attend Everest Institute in Atlanta, where she specialized in Medical Insurance Billing and Coding. With this training, she prepared herself to work in the health care industry, which she did for more than 20 years. Prior to entering the Health Care field, she had worked for the Federal Government. Yet, Donna was such an energetic, ambitious young woman, that even while working in health care, she ventured into her own business — preparing and selling baked goods — cakes and other amazing culinary creations.

Her life was built on a solid foundation — the Christian Faith, starting at Friendship Baptist Church (Broughton Community) Wadley. As an active member of her Atlanta community, she also attended Impact Church under Pastor Olue Brown.

A young woman with a big heart, Donna was a "People Person" deeply humanitarian, concerned and thoughtful, she was occasionally involved in feeding the hungry, and was totally in love with her mother, Gertrude and her child Zariyah. Moreover she opened her heart to other young people in her life — including extended family. She had enough love for everybody.

Donna was an awesome supportive mother to her daughter, Zariyah. An active and engaged parent, participating fully in every aspect of Zariyah's education at Hollis Innovation Academy.

A celebration of life.
With memories strong
and love so well shared,
we go on as we must.
God sent us prepared,
we came here with knowledge
of His love so sweet.
When ‘our’ time is over,
again we will meet.

Donna had one brother, Dexter M. Kelley, to precede her in death.   And so it was, that on Thursday, March 10, in humble submission and obedience to God's call, she closed her beautiful eyes to mortal life and opened them in eternity, re-joining her father Edward and brother, Dexter.  A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered.

Our heartfelt prayers and deepest sympathy are extended to her daughter, Zariyah Nevaeh Marie Kelley; mother, Gertrude Houston Kelley; bonus sons: Steven D. Houston and Tyeon Culpepper; bonus daughter, Sharene Green — all of Atlanta; sisters: Gretta Houston Bellamy (Pete) of Atlanta, GA and Delores Hudson of Carrollton, Georgia;  brothers: Steve Houston of Tyler, TX and Jeffery B. Houston of Forrest Park, GA; aunts: Nora Holloway (Lonnie) of Atlanta, GA and Mary Frances Johnson of Roanoke, AL;  nephews: Doug, Ken, Lenell, Quintin, and Tristan; nieces: Lyric, Jackie, Jaylin, Bre, Charlene, Taylor, Tati, and Tinijah; great-nieces: Yasmine, Olivia, and Malaya; and finally a host of beloved cousins and friends. 

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