Gladys Elizabeth Mcdowell Kelley

It is with deep sorrow and much love the family of Gladys Elizabeth Kelley shares her passing at 86 of years of age on May 21, 2022, with family by her side.

Born April 18, 1936, in Orville, Kentucky to William Clifford McDowell and Lelia Lee Payton McDowell Parrish. Gladys loved her large family and hosting gatherings with her devoted children and their families. She was more than happy to be the central figure of her children’s lives. Anyone that knew her knew she hung the moon in their eyes, was the star in their skies and that was always enough for her.

Gladys was a member of Orville Baptist Church and looked forward to her Sundays with her son Andy and her community.

Gladys is preceded in death by her parents, husband George C. “Billy” Kelley, daughter Dena Jane Kelley, brother Billy McDowell, sister Winona Lee Detwiler and granddaughter Jessica Dawson.

Left to carry on her legacy are her children Sheila Merritt, Dennis Kelley, Andy Kelley, Bobby Kelley (Pam), Bill Shipley (Carrie), Marty Kelley, Ricky Kelley (Angie) and Tony Kelley (Bonita). Gladys adored her grandchildren Brian, Bradley, Liz, Daniel, Amy, Nikki, George, Brett, Tonya, Amanda, Marty, Joseph, Rebecca, Billy, Heather, Rachel, Kayla and T.J.. Gladys was blessed with 47 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. Gladys also leaves a piece of her heart with her brothers Doug McDowell (Bobbie Lou), Michael McDowell and Russell Parrish Jr. (Karen) and her sisters Thelma Parrish, Alma Allen (Roscoe), Janice Downey, Sharlene Booth (Darrell) and Jennifer Clevenger.

Pallbearers for her service will be Troy Downey, Jody Bramblett, Billy Bramblett, Steve Parrish, Greg Thompson and Tony Grigsby.

Gladys’ sons will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Gladys’ family would like to thank the palliative care team at Baptist East Hospital for their care in her final days.

Visitation for Gladys will be held at Sholar Funeral Home, 5710 Castle Hwy., Pleasureville KY 40057 on Thursday, May 26 from 4-7PM with funeral services Friday May 27 with Mark Sims presiding at 11AM with visitation for one hour before. Burial will be in the Pleasureville Cemetery.

“How lucky are we to have someone that makes saying goodbye so hard?” ~Pooh

Online condolences can be made at sholarfuneralhome.com.