Joan Elrae "Raye" Kelly was hoping to meet her 99 ^th birthday but was 16 days short.  She went to meet her Lord in Heaven as she quietly passed away on October 4, 2022.  Raye was born October 20, 1923 in Kosse, TX to the late Charlie Burner Tillmon and Vera Truett Tillmon.

Raye met and married the love of her life, Bud Kelly, and were married for almost 71 years.  She enjoyed spending time with her family at home and then later worked outside of the home. Raye was employed by CPL for 30 years where she worked her way up to the local manager position before retiring in 1985.  After retirement, Raye & Bud began traveling the world and going to their beloved Astros games.  She also enjoyed playing weekly dominoes, Free Cell on her computer, and keeping up with the grandkids on Facebook.  She was best known for her quick-witted humor, fierce determination, and generous spirit.  Raye was a faithful woman who loved the Lord, her family and church, having no fear of asking everyone she met if they loved the Lord.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband George "Bud" Kelly, her son Gary "Joe" Kelly, daughter-in-law Carol Kelly, son-in-law Bill Roome, brother Jay Donald Tillmon, and sister-in-law June Tillmon.

Survivors include her daughter Peggy Roome; grandchildren Patricia Bell (Doug), Alisha Kelly, Paul Roome (Bridget) and Allison Barnes (Tremain) and great grandchildren Ryan, Riley and Garrett Bell, Austin Roome, Karley Kelly, Sydney Lawhon and Brody Lawhon, along with several cousins, nieces & nephews.

The family will receive friends and relatives beginning at 10:00 AM on Saturday, October 8, 2022. Graveside Services begin at 11:00 AM at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck. Meredith Huggins will be officiating. Pallbearers are Paul Roome, Austin Roome, Doug Bell, Ryan Bell, Garrett Bell, Brody Lawhon and Tremain Barnes.  Honorary Pallbearers are Johnny Magee, John Jennings, Tom Hensler, Billy Kelly and Matt Lawhon.

The family would like to thank the following for taking special care of our loved one:  Juanita Gonzales, Houston Hospice of El Campo, Colonial Living & Rehab, Candida Garcia, and Mercedes Garcia.