Charles Edward (Papa) Kelly

Charles Edward Kelly “Papa” departed this life on October 26, 2023, at Manor Care Facility, Whitehall PA at age 87.

Papa was born on February 23, 1936, in Birmingham AL, to the late Whitfield Kelly and Willa Mae Kelly Morrison.  Also preceding him in death were stepfather Leve Morrison Sr, siblings Delores “Helen” Bush, Garfield Kelly, Leve “Pookie” Morrison Jr., half-siblings Cederic Kelly, Antoinette Hoskins, grandson Charles Kevin “Little Kevin” Kelly Jr., and his best friend Robert “Bobby” Vance.

Papa relocated to Pittsburgh PA at 15 years of age.  He graduated from Oliver High School where he held the record in the 100-meter dash.  Papa married the love of his life Velma Mae Mitchell of Clairton PA. on June 11, 1960, and cherished her throughout their lifetime together.  They had two wonderful children, Kevin, and Scott. 

Papa worked as a certified nursing assistant at the Veterans Hospital prior to having a 33-year career in the insurance industry retiring from American General Insurance Company on March 19, 1999.  He excelled regularly as a top salesman in the district, which led him to advance as Staff Manager.  Papa’s passions were singing, gardening, cooking, and helping others, which was core in Kelly’s Catering, LLC where he shared with the community his culinary expertise that his family and friends were able to experience and enjoy for over 50 years.  Papa also enjoyed traveling with his wife on trips which he earned recognition for multiple achievements from his job and with the Ebony Voyagers.

Papa was an ordained Deacon at Deliverance Church and preciously held various roles at Victory Baptist Church including singing in the men’s choir, creating songs and music, and becoming a Deacon.  Papa was a great teacher of the Bible in and outside the church and served as a religious mentor to many throughout the community.

Papa leaves to cherish his memory, his beloved and dedicated wife of 63 years,  Velma Mae Kelly; sons Charles Kevin Kelly (Michele), and Scott Jeffrey Kelly (Kimberly), 11 grandchildren:  Samuel, Juliette, Little Kevin(deceased), Tierra (Darryl), Latasha, Doug, Deja, Jacob (Emily), Ariana, Kayla, Olivia:  8 great-grandchildren: Davian, Nevaya, Kaiden, Joseph, Kinsley, Samiyah, Jayda, Isabelle; his brother Robert Earl Kelly (Patricia); godsons Keith Bush and Daniel Turner; and 4 half siblings Karl Kelly (Sylvia), Reginald Kelly, Bernadine Kelly and Adrionno Kelly Of Birmingham, AL;  and a host of extended family,  nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, and cherished friends. 

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