Hettie M. Kelly, 88, of New Haven, entered eternal rest on May 16, 2023.
Ms. Kelly was born in Hopewell, VA on January 16, 1935, a daughter of the late Rev. Joseph James Rodgers, Sr. and the late Mary Harvey Rodgers.
Prior to her retirement, she was employed at Yale University as a Domestic Engineer. While employed at Yale University, she was a member of Local 34 and served as shop steward.
Ms. Kelly became a member of St. Matthew’s U.F. W. B. Church in New Haven in 1965, where she served and worshipped faithfully.
She leaves to cherish loving memories, her children, Rev. Dr. Cynthia Diane Kelly, Rev. Dannie Kelly, Jr. (Minister Roberta Kelly), Rev. Barbara J. Kelly Moore (Sherman Moore); and Shirley A.L. Kelly Sweets; sisters, Marie P. Rodgers Robinson; Dr. Martha A. Rodgers James (Apostle Haywood Emerson James), Juanita O. Rodgers Thorne (Wallace Thorne, Sr.) and Naomi Rodgers Peden Blue; 16 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was predeceased by her brother, Dr. Joseph James Rodgers, Jr.
A celebration of Ms. Kelly’s life and legacy will be held Friday, May 26, 2023, at 11:00 A.M. St. Matthew’s UFWB Church, 400 Dixwell Ave., New Haven. A viewing and visitation will be held at the church from 10:00-11:00 A.M. The burial will be in Beaverdale Memorial Park.
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I will always love and miss my sister Hettie McDonald Rodgers Kelly. Gone, but will always live in my heart. You fought the good fight; you have finished the course. Now get your crown and rest in heaven.
HETTIE MCDONALD RODGERS KELLY, My big (OLDEST) sister not only big in statue also big in love., in kindness, in fun, in understanding and compassion. I remembe how admanant and proud you were about your first name, that your name was “HETTIE” NOT HATTIE and your last name was” RODGERS’ not ROGERS. You often joked that you were not related to Roy Rogers nor Ronald Mcdonald. You would go on to explain that you inherted the first and middle names of our parents youngest siblings. When I was in college I remember those care packages you sent me with those delicous cookies you baked .came right on time. I could go on and on rembering the good times we shared. Our visits were always too short. I will always remember you with love, respect and kindness. Peacefully rest my oldest sister I LOVE YOU!!!
May sweet memories of Cousin Hettie remain with us until we meet again! She had a jovial personality, was a great storyteller, and was blessed to have loving children, family, and friends.
She will be greatly missed by all!