Dr. Barbara Theresa Kelley Phd, 84, of Peachtree City, GA, passed away peacefully, in her sleep, on Thursday, April 20, 2023.

Barbara was born August 28, 1938, in Houston, MS, to the late Earlie Hamilton. She grew up alongside her mother, her sisters, and her brother. Barbara graduated from Houston High School in 1956 and went on to attend Gannon University and Cheyney University where she graduated with her Bacherlor Degree. Barbara finished her college career at Georgia State University where she obtained her PhD in education. Barbara had a long and fruitful career as a teacher. She taught school children in Erie, PA and also taught at Chapel Hill Middle School in DeKalb county, GA.

Barbara was married to the love of her life, Thurman J. Kelley, for over 50 years. The couple met and married in Eria, Pa where they began their family of 5, having 4 sons and a daughter. The family then moved to Atlanta, Ga where they had a lifetime of love and happiness together.

Barbara was a faithful believer, a Baptist, Episcopalian, then Catholic; attending church in Erie, Pennsylvania and Peachtree City, Georgia. She was also an Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority Alumni. She was an avid runner, vegetarian, and enjoyed piecing together puzzles in her free time. In her final years, Barbara lived at peace in her home, being
cared for by her sons. She will always be remembered as being a giver to anyone in need, a nurturer and a provider for her loved ones.

Barbara is preceded in death by her father: Earlie Hamilton; mother: Zeola Brooks- Hamilton; sister: Ethel; brother: Lonnie; and her children: Phillip, April, and John. She is survived by her son: Paul Jacob Kelley, of Pennsylvania; her sister: Lois Catledge Hamilton, of Ohio; six grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren. Barbara leaves behind deep love and endless hope for the safe return of her missing son, Peter.