Joe Rufus Kelly's Obituary
Joe Rufus Kelly of Jackson, Michigan passed away on January 02, 2025 at Henry Ford - Jackson Hospital at the age of eighty-seven years old. He was born on January 29, 1937 in Wabbaseka, Arkansas, to the late Ernestine Colvin and the late Lemon Kelley Sr.
Joe attended schools in the Wabbaseka School Systems within Jefferson County Arkansas. He worked for the railway system in Arkansas before moving to Jackson Michigan more than fifty years ago to pursue a better life with other family members. He held a number of jobs as a laborer.
Joe enjoyed being around family and friends especially hosting family gatherings. He was well known in the eastside and southside communities of Jackson. He was affectionately called “Big Time Joe” by his family and friends. He seldom met a stranger as he loved to talk and was always opinionated. He thought of himself as a good cook specializing in neckbones, beans and cornbread. He enjoyed playing all kinds of cards and prided himself as being a skilled player. He loved the blues and often had the opportunity of singing them to the residents at an assisted living facility for a number of years.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Ernestine Colvin and Lemon Kelley, Sr; his stepmother, Mathie Kelley; daughter, Phyllis Ice, and siblings: Eather Gillespie, Leroy Kelley, Slyvester Kelley, Cleophus Kelley, M. W. Kelley,
Joe Kelley, and Calvin Colvin.
Joe leaves to cherish his memories, children: Deborah Ice of Little Rock AK.
Jo Denise Kelly of California, Joe Rufus Kelly Jr. of Wabbaseka AR., and Gregory Burke of Little Rock AK. He is also survived by his siblings: Jeverson (W. Lynda) Kelley of Lansing MI., James (Cynthia) Kelley of Jackson MI., Liinda Colvin of Jacksonville AR., Glenda Colvin of Milwaukee WI., Amos (Shirley) Johnson of Little Rock AR., Leonard Colvin of Norfolk VA., Roosevelt Colvin of Stuttgart AR., Lawrence Colvin of Pine Bluff AR., and Harrison Willingham of Texas. grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Joe Rufus Kelly will be greatly missed by all who knew him as he lived a fruitful and well-rounded life.
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