Mrs. Tilla Onettia Kelly

Tilla Onettia Kelly (Welch), a woman of remarkable strength and resilience, was born on May 21, 1959, in Pensacola, Florida. Her journey began in the heart of the South, where she received her primary education at Brazier Elementary School and Trinity Gardens Middle School, in Mobile, Alabama. Her formative years were further shaped at Mattie T. Blount High School in Prichard, Alabama, where she not only excelled academically but also showcased her musical talents as a flutist in the Mighty Marching Leopards Band.

A testament to her ambition and drive, Tilla participated in the Upward Bound program at Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama, during the summer before her senior year. This experience proved pivotal, enabling her to graduate early and set the stage for her future academic pursuits.

Tilla's thirst for knowledge led her to the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where she earned her Bachelor's Degree. Her time at the university left an indelible mark, fostering a lifelong sense of pride and connection to her alma mater. Not content to rest on her laurels, she later pursued and attained a Master's Degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix, demonstrating her commitment to personal and professional growth.

Life's journey took Tilla to Houston, Texas, where she met Lewis Jack Kelly, the man who would become her husband and partner in life. Together, they built a family, welcoming twin Daughters: Tiffany Jere and Talisha Jone’, and a Son: Lewis Jack, II. Tilla embraced motherhood with unwavering devotion, nurturing her children with love, guidance, and support.

Tilla's life was not without its trials and tribulations. She faced the profound sorrow of losing loved ones, including her Mother: Lottie Nelson Welch; Father: Reverend David Welch; Brothers: David Welch, Jr., Bobby Welch, Leslie Welch, Johnny Welch, and Henry Welch; Sisters: Carrie Welch, Cynthia Welch, and April Lee Welch; Niece: Cassandra Welch; Nephew: Jerry Welch; and Sister-in-law: Gloria Kelly. Through it all, she remained steadfast, drawing strength from her Faith and the unwavering support of her family.

Amidst life's challenges, Tilla found joy and fulfillment in the simple things. She cherished the memories created during travels with her husband and the precious moments spent with her children and grandchildren. Her thirst for knowledge never waned, and she dedicated her final days to assisting others with their end-of-life affairs, offering comfort and support during their most vulnerable moments.

Tilla's resilience was exemplified by her triumph over breast cancer. Her experience ignited a passion to help others, and she planned to establish a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting fellow survivors. However, fate had other plans, and she was diagnosed with stage-four liver cancer, a battle that ultimately claimed her life.