Hattie Wilkerson Kelly

     Hattie Helen Wilkerson Kelly, 84, of Marion, NC, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at her residence.

     Hattie was born in McDowell County, NC on October 6, 1937 to the late Frank and Lovie Hall Wilkerson. She was married to the late Morris Kelly, who preceded her in death in 1971. She was a member of Gold Hill Baptist Church in Rutherfordton.

Hattie worked for Drexel Heritage Furniture, where she retired after many years of dedicated service. Hattie was a strong-willed hard worker who loved music and enjoyed cooking. She was known to always brighten up a room with her presence. Most of all, she loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She touched the hearts of many and will be greatly missed.

     In addition to her husband and parents, Hattie was preceded in death by a daughter, Lovie Wilkerson; and four brothers; and six sisters.

     Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Frank Wilkerson of Marion, Larry Wilkerson of Marion, Morris Kelly of Lenoir, Marshal Kelly of Lenoir, Lanette Kelly of Marion, and Lavette Kelly and husband David Parks of Shelby; two step-children, Ollie Tate of Morganton and Paul Conley of North Dakota; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and cousins; and a special friend, Maxine Kaylor of Marion.

     A Going Home Celebration will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 22, 2022, at the Chapel of Beam Funeral Service in Marion. Rev. Howard Dawkins will officiate. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., prior to the service, at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Gold Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.