Carlene Kelley

Mrs. Carlene Kelley, 82, of Huntingdon, Tennessee, died on September 9, 2024. She was residing at Lakeside Senior Living Community in McKenzie, Tenn.

Funeral services are at First Baptist Church of Huntingdon on Thursday, September 12th, at 1:00 pm. Internment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery. Brother Jacob Harris, pastor of First Baptist Church of Huntingdon, will officiate the service.

 The family will receive friends on Wednesday, September 11, at Dilday-Carter Funeral Home from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., and on Thursday, September 12th, at First Baptist Church of Huntingdon from 10 a.m. until time of service.

Mrs. Kelley was born August 11, 1942, to the late Carl and Gladys Tullos in Alexandria, Louisiana. She was a graduate of Whitehaven High School in Memphis, Tennessee, and received her Bachelor’s degree from Mississippi College in Home Economics. Following graduation, Mrs. Kelley moved to Huntingdon to work, where she then met her husband of 57 years, Dale R. Kelley. Together they served their community for many years in various roles. During Dale’s time in government at the state and local level, Mrs. Kelley was an integral part of his success with support and love from their family and hometown.

Mrs. Carlene, as she was known by most, was an active member of First Baptist Church of Huntingdon for over 60 years. She served in her church in various ways from Sunday School coordinator, Youth Department leader, Women’s Ministry, Missions, and Choir member. Mrs. Kelley loved to praise Jesus through song daily, but especially in her time through the church choir. She worked with Huntingdon Special School District for 28 years as Food Service Supervisor. Many children’s bellies were filled each day because of her planning and supervision of an excellent food service staff in each school. She was active in her community and enjoyed planning and organizing events, even catering events in her early years in Huntingdon.

Carlene Kelley is survived by her three children, Amanda (Rick) Wallace of Huntingdon, Tennessee, Meredith (Tommy) Surber of McKenzie, Tennessee, and Cliff (Holly) Kelley of Huntingdon, Tennessee. She was a loving and proud grandmother of eight grandchildren, Payten Plunk, Cole Edwards, Jack Surber, Eli Surber, Tate Surber, Ty Kelley, Quinn Kelley, and Max Kelley.

The family requests donations be made to First Baptist Church of Huntingdon or The Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center.

Dilday-Carter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements 731-986-8281.