Obituary: Betty Ross Priesler Kelley

Betty Ross Priesler Kelley of Wharton, who served Texas Baptists in a variety of volunteer capacities, died March 3. She was 86.

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Betty Ross Priesler Kelley of Wharton, who served Texas Baptists in a variety of volunteer capacities, died March 3. She was 86. She was born April 26, 1931, in Houston to Garnet and Elizabeth Jackson. She graduated from San Jacinto High School in Houston in 1949 and Baylor University in 1953. She was a member of South Main Baptist Church in Houston 48 years, from when she was enrolled in the cradle roll until she moved to Wharton. She was employed as church staff receptionist at South Main many years, as well as volunteering as choir member, committee member and mission activities. In 1979, she moved to Wharton after marrying Louis Preisler. During her years in Wharton, she worked as church secretary. She volunteered as wedding coordinator, church clerk and general Sunday school secretary, as well as serving in the choir, on committees and in missions activities. She served on Texas Baptists’ State Missions Commission and Theological Education Committee, and she served on the board of directors for the Baptist Standard. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Louis, and sister, Joe Stevens. She is survived by her husband, James Kelley, whom she married Oct. 17, 2009, and by stepchildren Glen Preisler and his wife, Lori; Sharon Shafer; Judy Leber and her husband, Fred; and Dennis Kelley and his wife, Melinda; along with numerous nephews and nieces.

 


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