Mary Lou Ferguson Kelley departed this earthly life to be with the Lord on June 2, 2022, two days before her 87th birthday. She was born and raised in Waynesville, North Carolina, and moved to the Peninsula after marrying her High School sweetheart in 1954.

At age 15, she was chosen as the Haywood County Tobacco Queen and appeared on the cover of an agricultural magazine. Mary Lou had a servant’s heart and set an example for her family. Along with her mother and sister, she was a charter member of Ninevah Baptist Church in Waynesville. She was a member of Liberty Live Church for the past 58 years. During those years, she served in the Children’s Ministry, taught in the Happy Class, was on the Teller Committee, visited for the Homebound Committee, and was a member of Liberty’s Senior Adult Choir, the Heart Throbs. She also served on the PTA Board at each of her daughter’s schools.

Mary Lou is rejoicing in Heaven with her husband, Robert Wayne Kelley; her parents, Lois Kinsland Ferguson Fletcher and Harry Lee Ferguson and her sister, Martha Ferguson Bowen.

Cherishing her memory are her daughters, Sheilah Kelley Ray, and Kimberly Kelley Mumford; sisters, Barbara Ferguson James (Bob) and Esther Ferguson Hurst; sister-in-law Sue Kelley Mashburn (Lester); grandsons Christopher Wayne Mumford, Kyle Joseph Mumford (Sydney), and Jacob Robert Ray (Alley); great-grandchildren Jordan Chase Mumford, Isabella Elaine Mumford and Noah Lee Mumford; uncle, Joe Ferguson (Linda) and several dear nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 9, 2022, in the Chapel at Liberty Live Church from 10:30-11:30 a.m., with a Celebration of Life service at 11:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Peninsula Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Liberty Live Church, 1021 Big Bethel Road, Hampton, VA  23666, or a charity of your choice.
Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601.