Mary Ellen Kelley

Mary Ellen Kelley, 92, of Salem, AL, entered her heavenly home on September 1, 2025. A visitation will be held at Philadelphia Baptist Church, 7807 Lee Road 246, Smiths Station, AL, at 9:30 am EST on Saturday, September 6, 2025, followed by a funeral service at 10:30 am EST. Services will conclude with a committal service at the Philadelphia Baptist Church Cemetery.

Mary was born in Columbus, GA, on July 9, 1933, to the late Juanita and Bryant Batts. In high school, Mary was a very talented member of the basketball team and was a part of a singing group with her sisters that the community affectionately called “The Batts Sisters”. She also sang in church choirs and for special events. After graduating early from Smiths Station High School, Mary married the love of her life, Roy T. Kelley. They were married for over 70 years. Mary started her career at Swift Mill Manufacturing Company alongside many other hardworking family and friends. After years of working in the mill and being a devoted housewife and mom, she followed her husband to Ozark, AL in 1959 to pursue his career as an automotive machinist.

As a means of financial help for the family, Mary became the secretary at Douglas Brown Realty in 1966. She was very bright, learned quickly and was soon a realtor at that company. After the family moved back to the Phenix City area in 1969, Mary sold real estate for Carter Realty until she founded Mary Kelley Realty in 1980. During her time as a realtor, Mary earned the designation as the “first female realtor in Phenix City” as well as Alabama Realtor of the Year and the first person inducted into the East Alabama Board of Realtors Hall of Fame in 2022. Most importantly, Mary used her career to minister to others, assisting families in monumental ways.

Mary was passionate about helping others and was a gentle, loving, and strong Christian woman. She started her faith journey as a young girl when she accepted Jesus as her Savior during Vacation Bible School. She would pray with anyone she could every chance she got. She believed there was good in every person, and she trusted everyone. Mary’s faith was the most important thing in her life. She “walked the walk” by serving God and others through every step she took in life.

Mary lost a lot of herself when she got sick with dementia, but no illness could take the power of God that was in her. Although she couldn’t always remember details, she continued to pray without ceasing. She would pray independently as well as with anyone who had a need. Mary will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her.

Mary Ellen Kelley is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Roy T. Kelley; parents, Juanita and Bryant Batts; sisters, Grace Hill, Ruth Mason, Linda Cottom, and Martha Jo House; brother, Charles Batts; great-grandchild, Caris Amelia Horton.

Mary is survived by her children, Debbie Newsome (David), and Dwayne Kelley (Debbi); sister, Gayle Henderson (Tommy); brother, Thomas Batts (Carolyn); grandchildren, Brittany Wall (Chris), Kelley Horton (David), Brent Newsome (Caitlin), and Brandon Kelley (Tonia); great-grandchildren, Avery Wall, Katelyn Wall, Beckett Horton, Bauer Horton, Berklie Newsome, Blakely Newsome, and Heather Rippy (Josh); great-great-grandchildren, Waylon Rippy and Lakelynn Rippy and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

The family would like to thank Philadelphia Baptist Church, Golden Acres Baptist Church, Thrive Assisted Living, Columbus Hospice and many friends for the love and kindness shown.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Philadelphia Baptist Church, Columbus Hospice or Russell County Child Advocacy Center.