Phyllis J. (Allen) Kelley of Newark, Arkansas, departed this life on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at the age of 76. She was born June 7, 1947, in Anna, Illinois, the daughter of Chester and Mary (Rader) Allen.
Mrs. Kelley worked as an Associate for Walmart for thirteen years. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Newark.
Mrs. Kelley was a dedicated collector of Elvis memorabilia. She enjoyed working puzzles and word finds, bowling, and cooking. Mrs. Kelley loved taking pictures and capturing memories. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family and her dogs.
Mrs. Kelley was preceded in death by her brother, Bill Allen; one sister, Vonda Lee; her parents; and one stepson, Jeremy Lee Kelley.
She is survived by her husband of 32 years, Thomas V. Kelley, Sr., of the home; two sons, Rick Knowles of Petersburg, Illinois and Frank Knowles of Havana, Illinois; one daughter, Beverly Knowles, of Sparks, Nevada; her stepchildren, Thomas Kelley, Jr. of Newark, Jennifer Cookson and David Riecks of Newark, and Sheri Orji and husband, Jackson, of Batesville; five sisters, Jan Bender of Titusville, Florida, Doris Heen of Bloomington, Illinois, Mary Riley of Batesville, Patty Bales of Woodstock, Illinois, and Nancy Lovell of Illinois; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Newark First Baptist Church, with Bro. Bill Goodwin officiating.
