Kelley, Colleen Harris

Kelley, Colleen HarrisWith deep love and gratitude, we celebrate the remarkable life of Billie Colleen Harris Kelley, cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, who gracefully left us on February 2, 2025. Born on June 18, 1934, in Portersville, AL, Colleen was a radiant soul who filled our lives with warmth, wisdom, and boundless love. Her presence was a constant source of light, and her legacy of kindness and care will continue to inspire and uplift us all.

Colleen dedicated her life to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, pouring her heart and soul into nurturing and supporting them. Her selfless devotion and unwavering belief in their dreams created a strong foundation that shaped their lives. She cherished every moment spent with family, from joyous celebrations to quiet afternoons at home, and her laughter and warmth will forever echo in our hearts.

Colleen had a love for the outdoors, finding peace and happiness while gardening, walking and spending time in nature. Nothing brought her more comfort than working in her garden and tending to her flowers. Her passion for the earth not only enriched her life but also inspired those around her to appreciate the beauty of the world.

Colleen was married to her devoted husband, Garland, for 72 years. They met at a softball game where she was cheering for the opposing team. Colleen laughed when Garland came off the field with a broken finger and he came back with a few choice words for her and there is where their lifelong relationship began. Their marriage exemplified the true meaning of partnership and love. They navigated life hand in hand, overcoming challenges and celebrating joys together. Their bond grew stronger with each passing year as they shared countless memories of family vacations, trips to visit the grandchildren, and moments of laughter that filled their lives with joy. A testament to their enduring love, they created a warm, welcoming home, where family was always the center of their universe. Their unwavering support for one another served as a beautiful example to their children and grandchildren of what a loving relationship can be.

Colleen enjoyed a very special relationship with her devoted mother Lilly Ruth Brandon Harris. They shared a special bond throughout their life and were a very special foundation for Colleen’s life. Additionally, Colleen was blessed to have a “second” mother, Hazel Brandon Hannah. While Colleen’s father was serving in the Navy during WWII, Hazel traveled from Alabama to Virginia to be with her sister to help with Colleen. Ruth was a very timid mama and Hazel, as always, came to protect them and support them while Bill was away at war. Having both Aunt Hazel and her mother nurturing and supporting her, she would tell you, were the most beautiful and special memories she held.

Colleen devoted over 30 years working at schools throughout Giles County, where she impacted the lives of countless students and staff. Her dedication to education and her nurturing spirit made her a cherished member of the school community. She believed in the potential of every child and worked tirelessly to help them succeed.

Colleen is survived by her daughter, Angela Kelley; her son, Rusty Kelley and daughter-in-law, Jan Kelley; her grandchildren, Holly Guillot, Daniel Kelley, Lauren Kelley, Brenden Kelley, and Emma Walker; and her great-grandchildren, Matthew Kelley, Karsyn Kelley, Jackson Kelley, Ross Guillot, Zoe Guillot, Eva Theriault, Tobias Theriault, and Theodore Kelley.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Garland Kelley; mother, Lilly Ruth Brandon Harris; father, Willam Larkin Harris; son, Garland Rickie Kelley; daughter-in-law, Barbara Blevins Kelley; and grandson, Rickie Kelley Jr.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 2pm at the Givens – Riffe Funeral Chapel in Narrows, VA, with Pastor Ward Harris officiating with burial following in the Fairview Cemetery in Narrows. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Saturday 1 hour before the service from 1 – 2pm.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that you consider making a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association: https://www.alz.org/

The family is being served by Givens – Riffe Funeral Service in Narrows, (540) 726-2442, and online at riffefuneralservice.com.

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