Lois Kelley

THEBES, Ill. -- Lois Kelley, 91, of Thebes died Tuesday, April 21, 2009, at Lifecare Center in Cape Girardeau.

She was born Jan. 31, 1918, in Elco, Ill., to Oscar and Nellie Mae Jackson Thompson. She married Harold McNelly on Feb. 15, 1934. She later married Orville Kelley on Oct. 4, 1953. He preceded her in death Oct. 22, 1992.

Kelley was pastor many years at Apostolic Pentecostal Church in Thebes. She operated a grocery store many years and had worked as a librarian. She loved to paint and was a great painter.

Survivors include a daughter, Jo (Luther) Smith of Thebes; two sons, Harold (Donna) McNelly of Thebes, J.C. (Mary) McNelly of Cape Girardeau; nine grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; 14 great-great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews; and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, two sons in infancy, three brothers and three sisters.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Crain Funeral Home in Tamms, Ill.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Jimmie Monahan officiating. Interment will be in Rose Hill Cemetery in Thebes.

To leave online condolences visit www.crainsonline.com.