LaFrances Kelley's Obituary
Services for LaFrances (Jenkins) Kelley, 75, will be held Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. in the Greater Shiloh Baptist Church. Burial will be in the Davis Memorial Gardens. LaFrancis was born July 29, 1950 in Lufkin, and died February 17, 2026 in Missouri City, TX.
She was born to the parentage of the late Annie Jackson and F.J. "Slim Jenkins. She was the sixth of nine children (5 boys and 4 girls.) At a young age, she accepted Jesus Christ and began her spiritual journey at Long Chapel CME Church.
On March 13, 1969, LaFrances was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Garlin Kelley, Jr., who preceded her in death. through their union, they had three daughters. They faithfully attended New Zion Baptist Church and Mount Olive Baptist Church together. After his passing, she continued her walk in faith at New Beginning Baptsit Church in Lufkin, Texas.
LaFrances dedicated much of her professional life to serving other. She worked as a bookkeeper, served as a Caregiver for special needs students at the Lufkin State School, and later worked as tax preparer. She was actively involved in her community, strongly believing in civic duty, and even ran for City Council in Lufkinj. Within the church she faithfully serveddas a Sunday School Teacher, worked in the finance ministry, and sang in the choir. Holidays were always extra special when LAFrances was around. Many families remember her 7UP Cakes, which were her signature treat, and a beloved tradition during every celebration. She spent most of her life in Lufkin, Texas, before later moving to the Houston area to be closer to her daughters.
Left to Cherish Her Memories: Three Daughters, Ulrica (George) Fontenot of Texas City, Texas, Angela (Veodis, Jr.) Gist of Roanoke, Texas and Latonya Kelley of Missouri City, Texas; Grandchildren, Whitney, Veodis III (Jessica), LaTerika and Maya Gist, Aaliyah and Takeisa Fontenot, Tyana (Marcus) Pinkney, Justice and Kennedi Young: Ten Grandchildren; Brothers, Eddie (Ruth) Jenkins, F.J. (Dorothy) Jenkins, Bobbie (Shamarion) Jenkins; Sister, Terry Branson (Aaron); In-laws, Jimmie Earl Kelley (Hope), James Kelley (Niecey), Don Kelley (Faye), Cheryl Griffin (Richard), Yolanda Kelley (widowed), Royce Kelley, Nettie B. Canton (Cleo), Mary Lou Alston; A wealth of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and other extended family and friends.
LaFrances is preceded in death by: Her parents, Annie Jackson Jenkins and F.J. "Slim" Jenkins; Husband, Garlin Kelley, Jr; Sisters, Annie Marie Dorsey and Archie Cornish; Brothers, William Henry and Fred Anthony Jenkins.
LaFrances will be remembered for her unwavering faith, love for her family, and the many lives she touched through her service, leadership, and compassion within her church and community. Her legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
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