People from around the nation will gather Feb. 21 at First Baptist Church Fairhope to remember the life and ministry of Rhonda Kelley, whose husband, Chuck, is president emeritus of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Kelley died Feb. 17 at 72 after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., with visitation starting at 9:30 a.m. Later, on Feb. 26, a memorial service will take place at New Orleans Seminary.
‘An extraordinary life’
Eric Hankins, pastor of FBC Fairhope, said Kelley “was as gracious, faithful, impactful and encouraging as a member of First Baptist Fairhope as she was in every other area of her extraordinary life.”
“She poured herself into the women of our church and became a great friend and mentor of my wife, Janet,” Hankins said. “She generously invested her tremendous experience in women’s ministry over the last four years, resulting in a wonderful revitalization of that valuable ministry here at our church. Being a family of faith to her and Chuck through her battle with cancer has been a precious honor for our church.”
‘Considerate to the core’
Rick Lance, executive director of the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions, said Kelley exemplified the fruit of the Spirit “in such a way that made her personality sparkle.”
“She was a loving, kind and considerate person to the core,” he said.
Lance said he met the Kelleys decades ago through their mutual love for New Orleans Seminary.
“Later, Chuck became president of that stellar seminary and led it with distinction,” he said. “Rhonda was the First Lady of the seminary, and she excelled in that role.”
‘Role model for so many’
Lance said Kelley had a gift of making people feel at home and was a strong leader in women’s ministry, especially with pastors’ wives.
“Her charm and charisma caused her to be a people magnet,” he said. “People were naturally drawn to her winsome warmth and her caring way of relating to others. She became a role model for so many as an exemplary Christian leader.”
Lance said he and his wife, Pam, were praying for the Kelley family as they grieved their loss.
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