Ms. Pauline R. Kelly's Obituary
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. - Psalm 23:6
Our beloved matriarch, Ms. Pauline R. Kelly, transitioned from labor to reward on June 8, 2024.
Pauline Robinson Kelly was born in Furney Richardson, Texas; and graced this world on, November 24, 1931, to Sammie Mae Robinson. Pauline was the youngest of two girls.
Pauline attended Furney Richardson High School. Upon her high school graduation in 1949, she was determined to seek a better way of life and to further her education. Pauline had an early calling on her life, in that she loved helping others. She was smart, articulate and had no problem speaking up on behalf of those in her community, of which many were disadvantaged. This led her to
relocate to Fort Worth, Texas where she would attend Nursing School to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN).
After graduating from nursing school, Pauline met her future husband, Acie Kelly. They were both “go getters”, seeking the same interest of better opportunities, and relocated to Houston. They settled in the heart of the Historic Third Ward. They were blessed with one beautiful daughter, Paulette Acine Kelly.
Shortly after relocating to Houston, Pauline’s devotion to and love for Christ, led her to join Trinity East United Methodist Church, where she and Mr. Kelly were active members. Pauline served as a Sunday School Teacher and served in many other ministries and guilds.
Also, during this time, Pauline was very actively involved in the Civil Rights Movement in which she participated in the many efforts that were taking place locally, nationally and internationally as well. She participated in sit-ins, protests, boycotts, SCLC’S Operation Breadbasket, NAACP, as well as the March on Washington in 1962, and the 1972 National Black Political Convention in Gary, IN. Throughout her life, Pauline would travel on many mission trips to Port-Au-Prince, Haiti, Guatemala and Oracabessa, Jamaica.
Pauline was always willing to volunteer, raise funds, collect medical supplies, food, clothing and lend a helping hand where needed. She was truly a “behind the scenes”, active participant not seeking notoriety, but wanted to improve the unfair conditions and lack of opportunities for People of Color whenever and wherever she could.
Pauline was always busy, which led to her brief career of nursing at M.D. Anderson Hospital. Not totally satisfied with working for others; she continued her education at Texas Southern University and Houston Community College where she studied business and real estate. Her entrepreneurial spirit and love for children led her to open “Guys and Dolls” Day Care Center which served many families in the Third Ward community. Pauline also formed a corporation that purchased multiple properties that would provide housing for the disadvantaged.
Pauline loved spending time with her family and two grandchildren. She had a love for people and serving others. She was a dedicated and active member of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church volunteering and participating in the many Senior Saints ministry activities. She also volunteered at St. Dominic Senior Care community, Houston Hospice, The Ronald McDonald House, The Omega House, Child Evangelism Fellowship and The Shape Community Center. Throughout Pauline’s life she spent her leisure time, travelling the world. She was an avid gardener and enjoyed taking her five-mile daily walks to stay healthy and fit.
Pauline truly understood the assignment of ‘do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.’ (Hebrews 13:16)
Pauline Robinson Kelly departed this life on Saturday, June 8, 2024. She was preceded in death by her mother, Sammie Mae Robinson; her grandmother, Martha Jane Ross; her grandfather, Sam Ross; her sister, Myrtle Lee Harris and her loving son-in-law, Ernest W. Mayo.
Those who will forever miss and cherish her precious memory: a loving and devoted daughter, Paulette Kelly-Mayo; grandson, Dakarai S. Mayo; granddaughter, Dhakaya A. J. Mayo and her niece, nephews and friends.
What’s your fondest memory of Pauline?
What’s a lesson you learned from Pauline?
Share a story where Pauline's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Pauline you’ll never forget.
How did Pauline make you smile?
