Marian Frances O'Kelley

Marian Frances O'Kelley, 85, died Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at an Abilene care center. Born in Abilene, Texas on March 19, 1926, Marian was the daughter of Annie Alice (Hanks) and Lee Thomas Harvey, and graduated from Abilene High School. Marian married Carroll Emerson O'Kelley, Sr. on August 14, 1943 in Abilene. She was a homemaker and loved her home, always making sure everyone who visited there was welcome and comfortable. All family functions were at her home, including Christmases, Thanksgivings, birthdays and anniversaries. Throughout the years, she enjoyed her many beloved poodles. Marian was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She was very active, having belonged to several dance clubs over the years. She was a member of the Bluebonnet Brigade at Camp Barkeley where she met her husband; a former member of Abilene Woman's Club, a volunteer at Abilene Regional Medical Center, and involved in many other organizations. Marian loved traveling with her husband on cruises to many destinations. Marian was preceded in death by her daughter, Carolyn O'Kelley Donaldson in 2007; parents; brother, Jess Harvey; and sisters, Lorene Harvey, Bea Landrum and Ruby Grace Ramsey. Survivors include her husband, Carroll O'Kelley, Sr. of Abilene; son, Carroll O'Kelley, Jr. and wife Susan of Abilene; daughter, Marilyn O'Kelley Chittum and husband Roger of Abilene; sister, I'dell Kirkley of Abilene; grandson, Kelly Chittum and daughter-in-law Machael; three grandchildren, Jenna, Austin and Aaron Chittum; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Services will be 1:00 p.m. Monday, July 25, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road with Rev. Roland Gregory officiating. Interment will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park. The family expresses special thanks to longtime family friend and caregiver, Leta Marsh, as well as all of Marian's other caregivers. Memorial contributions may be made to Windcrest Alzheimer's Care Center, 6050 Hospital Dr., Abilene, TX 79606; Alzheimer's Association North Central Texas Chapter, 301 S. Pioneer Dr., Suite 105, Abilene, TX 79605; or Rescue the Animals, 4620 North 1st St., Abilene, TX 79603.