Daisy Sims Kelley

Daisy Sims Kelley passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on the morning of December 11, 2021 at Marshall Manor Nursing Home. She was 95 years old. Born as the third child to Izena and Otto Sims on June 15, 1926, Daisy grew up in the Sims Community alongside her 4 sisters and 6 brothers. Their homestead still stands today as a gathering spot for the family that has grown immensely through the generations. Daisy was married to the late Rev. James D. Kelley on Christmas Eve in 1943. After serving in Germany in World War II, James was called to ministry. Together he and Daisy pastored a number of churches in North Alabama where their devotion to his calling was deeply respected. Daisy was a vital support throughout the 50 year ministry of her husband serving as a devoted wife and as a believer whose identity was in Christ. James and Daisy were blessed with three children; daughters Brenda Ann and Glenda Jan and son James Daniel, Jr. (Jim). Daisy loved her family, giving unselfishly of her time to the raising of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who were her pride. The words “no” or “I do not have time” were not in her vocabulary and her loving spirit had no boundaries. Daisy treasured nothing more than being surrounded by the love and laughter of her family and friends. Daisy enjoyed gardening and will always be remembered for her colorful canna lillies and perfect pickling cucumbers. In addition to gardening, Daisy excelled in the kitchen. You could always count on her to deliver a meal or treat when someone needed encouragement and her table was never found bare. Many of her recipes will live on through her family and friends, especially favorites like her chocolate gravy and peach cobbler. She is survived by her children Brenda Ballew, Glenda Carboni (Michael) and Jim Kelley (Lisa); grandchildren Jonathan Ballew (Kim), Amy Ballew Harrison (Jim), Andrea Carboni Oliver (Michael), Adam Carboni (Tansy), Corey Stewart, and Olivia Kelley; great-grandchildren Sydney Ballew, James Michael and William Harrison, and Alice and Eleanor Oliver; sister Dellie Jane (Larry) Cornelius; brother Gary (Beverly) Sims; sisters-in-law Bonnie Sims, Jeanette Sims, Judy Sims, Marie Sims, and Sue Sims; and many nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank all of the caregivers who assisted with Daisy’s care and for the many prayers on her behalf since her diagnosis of dementia over a decade ago. A celebration of life will be held Sunday December 12, 2021 at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church No. 2 with Rev. Chris Reaves officiating followed by burial in Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers will be nephews and great nephews of Mrs. Kelley. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to The Marshall Cancer Care Center, 11491 US Highway 431, Albertville, AL 35976.

Daisy Sims Kelley

June 15, 1926 - December 11, 2021