Life story

" . Brenda Marie Kelley, passed away on February 12, 2024, peacefully at her home in Culpeper, Virginia. Her beautiful life touched the hearts of many. Born on August 23, 1958, in Arlington, Virginia, Brenda began her life’s journey filled with love, family, adventure and faith. She grew up in Haymarket, Virginia with her 3 siblings. Brenda adored her parents and the beloved memories of her childhood home, both of which she cherished growing up. She shared her life with her loving husband, Gari Allen Kelley, whom she married 33 years ago on April 20th, 1991. Together they explored the Caribbean, the mountain ranges of the east coast and many nights on their porch were consumed with talking of pastime memories. Brenda loved their journeys together. Getting lost on the backroads while visiting old country stores was one of her favorite ways to spend the afternoon. Family was her pride and joy. There was nothing more important than being with her loved ones. Many fond memories she made with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Professionally, Brenda shared her amazing talents in many ways. Amongst her career accomplishments, she worked as a courier for the United States Postal Service. She then went on to design and plant beautiful gardens with her husband as business owners of Green Peace Landscaping. Additionally, she gave her time to care for the elderly in nursing homes as well as helping with rescue needs at Animal Shelters. In her later career, Brenda enjoyed serving the children as a cafeteria worker for many schools in her county.

Her compassion and care left a mark on the lives that she touched. Through life’s many troubles, her faith comforted and strengthened her. As a mother, Brenda’s unconditional love for her three daughters, Jenni, Tara and Kayla was unwavering. As a grandmother, she found enormous joy in spending time and caring for her three granddaughters Stephanie, Gracie and Everly, and her five grandsons Bailey, Carter, Dylan, Cohen and Mason. She delighted in much happiness over her great-grandchildren, Nilah, Noah and Jordan. She was an amazing wife, daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Brenda is survived by her husband Gari Kelley; her mother E. Marie Harris; her sister Barbara Watts and brothers, Acie Watts, Jr. and Randy Watts; her daughters Jennifer Pearson (Bryan), Tara Izzett (Todd) and Kayla Kelley; her eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Brenda is preceded in death by her father, Acie Watts, Sr. Her legacy will live on forever through the life she lived, the faith she held and the memories of those of us whose hearts she touched. A celebration of Brenda‘s life will take place on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at 2:00pm at Haymarket Baptist Church, 14800 Washington Street, Haymarket, VA 20169. Please join us for refreshments in the fellowship hall immediately following the service.

Flowers will be graciously received for her celebration.

Donations may be made to Haymarket Baptist Church in Brenda’s honor."