Nellie Mae Martin Kelley

With hearts full of love and gratitude, we celebrate the life of Nellie Kelley, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother who passed away peacefully on February 1, 2025, at the age of 85. Born on October 13, 1939, in Paint Bank, Virginia, Nellie moved to Pearisburg shortly after and remained a lifelong resident.

Little Bitty Nellie Kelley met Gene-Gene the Dancing Machine when he was the best-looking football player on the Pearisburg Red Devils' team, and she was the cutest little cheerleader around. They married on August 10, 1957, and built a beautiful life together over 66 years filled with love, laughter, and countless adventures. They owned and operated Kelley Gas and Oil in Narrows for almost 50 years.

Nellie was a lifelong and devoted member of Pearisburg United Methodist Church, holding countless roles, including youth group leader and member of the Willing Workers group. Her service to the church reflected her deep faith and love for others. She was a member of the Pearisburg Women's Jaycees. 

She believed in living a life of humble service and never boasted about the numerous local organizations she supported. Her dedication to quietly making a difference in her community left a legacy of kindness and generosity everywhere she went. 

Nellie knew how to balance service with joy she looked forward every year listening to Jimmy Buffet while sipping margaritas poolside at the beach or supporting her Virginia Tech Hokies. Her compassion extended to all living creatures. Throughout her life, she shared her heart with numerous cherished cats and dogs, each treated as part of the family. 

Nellie was preceded in death by her loving parents, Florence Margaret "Mommy" Martin and Malcolm Everett "Daddy" Martin, as well as her brothers William "Billy" Martin, Lewis Martin, Everett Martin, and her sister Betty Ann Martin.

She is survived by her devoted husband Gene Kelley; her children Lennie Kelley of Pearisburg and Sandra Kelley of Newport; her granddaughter Freedom Kelley of Seattle, WA; her baby sister Mary Collins of Narrows; and her special niece, Tina Blaker (and family). Nellie will also be dearly remembered by countless friends and loved ones.

A service to celebrate Nellie’s remarkable life will be held at Pearisburg First United Methodist Church on Friday February 7, 2025, at 1pm with Pastor Mike Mitchener officiating with burial following at Birchlawn Burial Park. The family will receive friends on Thursday evening from 6-8pm at the First United Methodist Church. 

Memorial donations Nellie may be made to the Senior Food Boxes program at Pearisburg United Methodist Church

Rest in peace, Nellie—you will be forever cherished and remembered.

The family is being served by Givens Funeral Home in Pearisburg, (540) 921-1650; online at givensfuneralhome.com.