Linda Lou Kelley

Linda Lou (Nicholson) Kelley stepped into the presence of her Lord on Wednesday, October 7th, after battling ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). Linda was born on July 8, 1951, in Sterling, Illinois. She was the 3rd of 6 children born to Larry and Darlene Nicholson. At the age of nineteen, she ventured from her small town in Illinois across country to live in Santa Barbara, California. It was there that she was invited to a church where she heard the Gospel for the first time. On February 7, 1971, she placed her trust in Jesus Christ to save her from her sins. She quickly became passionate about sharing the Lord with everyone she met. On February 17, 1973, Linda married the love of her life, Glenn Kelley. Upon Glenn's completion of Bible college, they prepared to be missionaries to Mexico. In June of 1982, they moved to northern Mexico. Linda was a faithful wife and mother to their three girls and one son (who died as an infant). She had a tender heart for anyone in need. She comforted the sick, found work for those who desired it, and provided food for those without. Linda was an educator, first homeschooling her girls, and then teaching in Christian schools for 25 years. In 1997, Glenn and Linda moved to Pensacola, Florida, to work at Pensacola Christian College. For the next 17 years, Linda invested her life into teaching four year olds at Pensacola Christian Academy. Her highlight was being able to teach them about Jesus. Linda loved her Lord and loved people. She loved rainbows, dolphins, and butterflies. Loved to be spontaneous and would gladly make cake for dinner. Linda loved to travel as well, having been to Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Peru and 41 U.S. states. More than anything, she loved her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Larry and Darlene Nicholson; her stepdad, Carl Eigsti; her brother, Ralph Nicholson; her mother-in-law, Marilyn Queberg; her brothers-in-law Bob Kelley and Bill Folger; and her son, Michael Kelley. She is survived by her husband of 42 years, Glenn Kelley; daughters, Kari (James) Showers, Holly (Devon) Coon, and Sandi Kelley; five grandchildren, Hunter, Matthew, Amelia, Sophia, and Starlin; sisters, Betty Harmon and Sandy (Jim) Harned; brothers, Willy (Teresa) Nicholson and Robert (Petrwska) Nicholson; sisters-in-law, Patti Kelley and Robin (Ron) Robinson; nieces, Nannette (Rodney) Swift and Erin (Sam) Jones; nephew, Adam (LaTosha) Kelley; and a number of other relatives and close friends. It can truly be said about Linda Kelley that "her children arise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her." (Proverbs 31:28) There will be a private committal service at Barrancas National Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Monday, October 12, 2015 from 5:45-7:00 p.m. in the Allen Chapel of the Crowne Center at Pensacola Christian College. A memorial service will follow at 7:00 p.m. in the Allen Chapel. Arrangements have been made by Faith Chapel Funeral Home on Bayou Blvd in Pensacola.

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Linda Lou Kelley

July 8, 1951 - October 7, 2015