Ollie Mae Kelly Johnson

Ollie Mae Kelly Johnson “Honey” transitioned to her heavenly home on January 9, 2021 at the blessed age of 91. She was the fourth child of nine born to James Garfield Kelly and Celia Jones Kelly in Adams County, MS on June 18, 1929. After moving to New Orleans, Honey married David Johnson in 1951 and worked primarily as a nanny and a caterer. In 1994, she retired and moved to Stone Mountain, GA to live with her niece, Little Ollie. Despite being retired, she continued to nurture and take care of children for many years. She was very active with the South DeKalb Senior Center and enjoyed baking cakes and pies which she would bring to church from time to time. Honey confessed Christ at an early age in Natchez, MS. As an adult, she first joined Friendship Baptist Church, New Orleans, under the leadership of Reverend W.E. Miles, where she faithfully served on the usher board. Following her move to Georgia, she became a member of Peace Baptist Church, Decatur, GA, pastored by Reverend Tyrone Barnette, where she was a mother of the church. Later, she was associated with Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, Birmingham, AL, under the watch care of Dr. Michael W. Wesley, Sr. until the time of her death. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Celia Kelly; her husband, David Johnson; her sisters, Inez Kelly, Varie Lewis, Celia Conner, Anice Faulkner, Alberta Lewis, Ethel Washington; her brother, Frank Kelly; sister-in-law, Tina Kelly; brothers-in-law, David Baker, Sr., John Lewis, Sr., Alfred Lewis, Sr., Obbie Rumley, Sr., and Jerry Conner; and two godchildren, Laronda Williams and Gary Legaux, Jr. Honey leaves to cherish her many memories, her sister, Pearlina Baker; her niece, Dr. Ollie Kelly, who is like her daughter; her great-niece and great-nephew, Cecilia and Mitchell Appleberry, who are like her grandchildren; one brother-in-law, William Faulkner; many generations of nieces and nephews; a host of extended family; and church members and friends. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Celebration of Life at D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave., New Orleans, LA on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at 10:00 am. Visitation will begin at 9:00 am to 10:00am. As mandated by the State of Louisiana due to the COVID-19 pandemic, attendance is limited. Everyone is required to adhere to all restrictions. You must wear a face mask at all times and practice social distancing. Interment: Providence Memorial Park, 8200 Airline Drive, Metairie, LA. Arrangements entrusted to D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70125. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook, share memories, and condolences for the family.