Ruby Vernelle (Booker) Kelly

Ruby Vernelle Kelly’s kindness and kindred spirit will be remembered with love long after her passing.

Known to most as Vernelle, she passed away on December 24, 2021 at the age of 74 in Appomattox, VA

She was born June 28, 1947 to Will and Dorothy Booker and became a member of Mt. Airy Baptist Church at a young age.  After a life altering medical condition, she was left paralyzed on her right side at the age of 13.  Vernelle completed extensive rehab at Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation in Fisherville, VA.  Once learning to complete everyday tasks with the use of only her left arm, Vernelle went on to graduate from Carver-Price High School in Appomattox, VA in 1965.  She then relocated to New York, worked as a secretary, married her husband Gerald, and had her eldest daughter, Sabrina.  The untimely death of her husband led Vernelle to move back to her hometown of Appomattox.  As time passed, she continued to overcome her disability, lead a customary life, and had her second daughter, Lisa.  It was during this time that Vernelle became the primary caretaker for her mother and continued to be a regular attendee at Mt. Airy Baptist Church.

Before her physical health began to significantly decline, Vernelle enjoyed her time spent with Central VA Alliance for Community Living, a place she called “The Center.”  Her other favorite past times included reading her Bible, watching western movies, and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She had a kind word for everyone and loved her family dearly.

Vernelle was preceded in death by her parents:  Will and Dorothy Booker; her husband, Gerald Kelly; brother, Jimmy Booker; sister, Mary Mullen; son-in-law, Brian Harris; brother-in-law’s Willie Mosley and Russell Mullen; great-grandchildren, Jordyn and Jaylyn Cobbs.

She is survived by daughters, Sabrina Harris of Appomattox, VA and Lisa Henry (Keith) of North Garden, VA.; grandchildren, Ashley Kelly of Appomattox, VA, Travina Cobbs (Jashaun) of Appomattox, VA, Brinea Harris of Lynchburg, VA, James Henry, Jr., and Jaden Henry both of North Garden, VA; great-grandchildren, Christian Moore, Casen Moore, and Jorja Cobbs all of Appomattox, VA and Teagan Briggs of Lynchburg, VA; sisters, Elva Mosley of Waynesboro, VA, Valerie Pankey (John) of Madison Heights, VA, Carolyn Pennix (Harold) of Appomattox, VA, Joletta Dillard (Joe) of Appomattox, VA and Selina Johnson of Waynesboro, VA and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that were all dear to her heart.

Public viewing will be held on Wednesday, December 29, 2021, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Bruce & Stiff Funeral Home.  A funeral service will be held on Thursday, December 30, 2021, 12 noon at the Mt. Airy Baptist Church, 167 Coleman's Mill Rd., Appomattox, VA.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ruby Vernelle (Booker) Kelly, please visit our floral store.