Willis Kelly

KAPLAN — Funeral services will be held Friday, April 1, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis Cabrini Catholic Church for Willis Kelly.
Interment will be in Holy Rosary Cemetery.
Willis Kelly was born in Lafayette, Louisiana on March 22, 1952. He was reared in Kaplan, LA and lived his life in Leesville and Monroe. He was a father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and for so many, a friend. He had an undying love for his family, especially his nieces and nephews.
While Willis spent 70 years on this earth, his life was full and complete. What I don’t think he knew was how complete he made the lives of his family. There wasn’t a day when he didn’t call his brother or sisters, nieces, and nephews. When he talked to you, he made you feel like you were the most important person on earth. Like everything you said, no matter how trivial, mattered. Willis was a diehard Alabama and Cowboys fan. In the Fall, you could find him in front of the television watching and cheering on his teams or hunting deer with his nephews. He loved math and valued education. That was evident in the way he taught his nephew, David (DJ). During the pandemic, when DJ had to learn online, Willis instantly became “Mr. Uncle Willis (teacher).” Willis looked forward to getting together with his family whether to eat turtle with his brother, have grilling contests with his nephew, or traveling thousands of miles to attend a graduation. His love of life and his love of family didn’t end with his death. His spirit will forever live on, and his heart left a beacon of light for all to follow.
Willis is survived by his sisters, Sylvia Kelly Cormier of Kaplan, Wandy Kelly of Monroe, and Ann Stevenson (Kenneth) of Lake Charles; his brother, Chris Kelly (Adlene) of Maurice; his daughter, Tera Mouton of Kaplan; his 3 grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Celeste Green; his mother, Meretha Fusilier Kelly; his father, Jean Promas Kelly; his sisters, Doretha Turner and Joann Small; his brothers, Michael Kelly, Gene (Mickey) Kelly, and Stanley Kelly; his brother-in-law, Raymond Cormier.
Visitation will be held Friday, April 1, 2022, at St. Francis Cabrini Catholic Church from 8:00 a.m. until time of service.
Sign the guestbook online at www.syriefh.com
Arrangements have been entrusted to Syrie Funeral Home, Inc. of Lafayette, LA.