I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.
~ II Timothy 4:7

Jacqueline Calletta Carson was born to the late Joel H. Carson and Willie Mae Kendrick Carson Griffin on July 24, 1931 in Eclectic, Alabama. As a very young child, her family united with Mount Bethel Baptist Church under the pastorage of the late Rev. Jacob McQueen. She attended Thirty Third Avenue High School. She was a faithful member of Mount Bethel Baptist Church, as she served on the Usher Board. She also served in the Senior Mission, and Sunday School. In later years, she was a member of the Golden Women and Men of Favor. After 32 years of employment, Mrs. Kelly retired from Keesler Air Force Base. After retirement, reading, cooking, and baking were her favorite pastimes. Mrs. Kelly was known as a mother figure throughout the community, she bared many names such as; Mama, Mama Jack, Mama Kelly and also Bubba. "The
name Bubba" as she was affectionately known by her great-grandchildren and the children within the community was a name of endearment meaning Grandmother in 'Yiddish'. Bubba was well known for her yeast rolls and chocolate chip cookies. Because of Mama Jack's loving, and giving spirit, people naturally gravitated to her. Mama's family draws strength and reminisces about her usual jokes with family members. Though her loved ones are saddened by her earthly absence and impeccable memory, they draw solace in knowing that her life and light has left an indelible mark on the hearts of all those who were blessed to have known her. Jacqueline was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. Joel H. Carson, and Mrs. Willie Mae Kendrick Carson Griffin; a son, Robert L. Kelly, Jr; three brothers, Aubrey Townsend, Warren Townsend, Willie Winfield Townsend, and a sister, Mary Catherine Townsend Williams. She leaves to cherish fond memories, five daughters; Linda Carson Lawrence, Mobile, AL, Rev. Margaret Carson Moore, Louisville, MS, Ella Carson Simondson, Delsina Kelly, Tabitha (Joseph) McFall, all of Gulfport; two nephews whom she reared as her sons, Morris Townsend(Vivian) and Aubrey Dubra (Clark Ray), and also a niece Nell Townsend Young. She also leaves to cherish her memory; seven grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and eight great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and Christian friends.

For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
~ II Timothy 4:6