Ruth Ann Kelly (Clinton) Obituary (1940 - 2020)

Ruth Ann Kelly, 79, departed this world to take her heavenly rest on Sunday, January 12, 2020. She was born the ninth of ten children on November 18, 1940, to the late Walter Clinton and Bertha Mae Walker Clinton in Burlington, North Carolina. Ruth Ann was raised in a Christian home, and while in her teens, Ruth Ann accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. She was baptized at A.M.E. Zion Methodist Church in Burlington, North Carolina. After graduating from Jordan Sellars High School in 1959, Burlington, North Carolina, Ruth Ann moved to Amityville Long Island, New York. In 1962, she became a member of Zion Gospel Church located in Copiague, New York. Ruth Ann was known as a powerful soprano and sang solos at her local church. She later joined the choir at the Mount Calvary Holy Church in Huntington, touring New York and neighboring states. On April 17, 1965, Ruth Ann married William Henry Kelly, Jr. From this union came two children, William Antonio and John Fitzgerald. Ruth Ann accompanied her husband as he traveled and held revivals nationwide. In 1968, the family relocated to Florida. Ruth Ann worked as a paraprofessional educator in New York, Florida, and finally in Orangeburg, South Carolina. During her years as an educator, she taught braille to Gregory Carson for nine years. Even after retiring, she continued as a caregiver sitting with the elderly. Ruth Ann was a resident of Orangeburg, South Carolina for over thirty years. She was a faithful member and prayer warrior at Faith Tabernacle Church under the leadership of the late Bishop Ronald E. Brown. She later became a member at Right Direction Church in Orangeburg, South Carolina under the leadership of Pastor Trey and Katie Brave. Ruth Ann spent the last three years living in Laplace, Louisiana with her son John and his wife Jerrolyn. Ruth Ann leaves to cherish her love and memories two loving children: William "Tony" (Ronnesha), John (Jerrolyn), and six grandchildren: Tamara (Rushawn Toppin), Jonte (Ryan Meeks), Amen, William "TeeJay," Javon, and Daquan; two great-grandchildren: A'marionne, and Ronnie; two siblings: Harold and Connie Clinton; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives. She was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers: Jerome, Walter, Alfonso "Freddy Boy" and Richard Clinton, and three sisters: Rachel and Ruby Clinton and Lucille Clinton McLain. All neighboring communities and churches are invited to join the family for a Celebration of Life on Thursday, January 23, 2020 at Destiny Christian Center 612 Main St, Laplace, LA 70068 at 10:00 am. Visitation begins at 9:00 am. Interment will follow at Providence Memorial Park and Mausoleum 8200 Airline Dr, Metairie, LA 70003. Final care entrusted to Treasures of Life Funeral Services, 315 E. Airline Highway, Gramercy, LA 70052. "When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a TREASURE!"