Tabitha A. Kelly

“And God Shall wipe away all tears from their eyes and there shall be no more death neither sorrow nor crying and neither shall there be no more pain.” – Revelations 21:14

Again, death has invaded the rank of the Kelly and Hawkins family. On Sunday October 29th, 2023 you pulled off mortality and was put on immortality making her transition to her heavenly home peacefully.

A precious loving mother, grandmother, and sister Tabitha Ambutas Kelly, affectionally known as “Tab” was born into this world on June 4th, 1971, to Maxine Turner-Kelly and Roosevelt Hawkins. Tabitha was born the baby of 9 in the Kelly Clan. Being the baby of the family Tab was extremely spoiled, especially by one of her oldest sisters, Cassandra Kelly. Cassandra spoiled her and took care of her like she was her own daughter and would do anything for her no matter what. Tabitha was loving, funny, stubborn, and some would say mean, but we would say spicy with some fire, if she didn’t like you, then you definitely knew. Tab was holy but didn’t mind throwing them hands. She was the real picture of “Pray with me, Don’t Play with Me”. She was honest and would bluntly tell you about yourself if it was needed. She loved playing spades, loved her gospel music, loved riding the highways with her ride or die sister San, and loved going to church. Tabitha gave her life to the Lord at a young age. She was a member of Israelite Baptist Church, later Community Church of God in Christ and lastly Word of Truth where she served under the leadership of Pastor James R. Hightower. Tab absolutely loved the Lord and would pray you down. She was also a proud graduate of Coloma High School, class of 1989. Tabitha will be greatly missed.

She leaves to cherish her memory to her father, Roosevelt (Tammy) Hawkins of Las Vegas NV, her children, sons, Miguel Brown and Montel Brown, and her daughters, Myshayla Kelly of Benton Harbor MI and Myschelle (Tewan) Kelly of Grand Rapids MI. Her sisters Cassandra (Randy) Kelly-Jones, Roshanna (Pastor Bryan) Williams of Benton Harbor MI, Willa Kelly of Atlanta GA, Kimberly Kelly, Regina Kelly and Darlene Anderson both of Grand Rapids MI, Tracy Taylor of Atlanta GA, and Romolla Hawkins of Las Vegas NV. Her uncles Wille Turner of Benton Harbor MI, Clifton Turner of Flint MI, and Aunt Beverly Hawkins of Chicago IL. Her favorite nieces Takayenna Myers-McGee, De’Lasandra Kelly, and Thymisha Simmons. Her favorite nephews Antoine Myers, Deontae Kelly, Malachi Kelly, Carlos Kelly and Treyton Myers. Her eleven grandchildren who she loved so much and a host of nieces and nephews. Her very long-time friend Cassandra Deloney and special cousin Wanda Stoval.

She was preceded in death by her mother Maxine Kelly-Turner, her oldest sister JoAntha Smith-Raines, only brother Gregory Kelly, her grandparents Zelma and Mattie Turner, Percy and Rose Hawkins Sr, her favorite Aunt Hannah Beene, her Uncle Captain James FA Tuner, two nephews Karlos Kelly and Elijah Boyd, one niece Jo’Andra Smith, and her special friend Rodney Dickson.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. EST, Saturday, November 18, 2023, at Israelite Baptist Church 1715 Highland Avenue, Benton Harbor, MI with Bishop James Hightower to give the eulogy. Burial will follow in Crystal Springs Cemetery. Viewing will be 10 a.m. EST Saturday, November 18, 2023 at Israelite Baptist Church.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Tabitha A. Kelly, please visit our floral store.