Dates
Alvetta Mae (Babe/Babysister) Kelly passed away peacefully to join her husband and loved ones in heaven on June 30, 2017.
She was born on November 21, 1931 to Major Lee and Corean Ruthel Lott Spurlock in San Angelo, Texas. Alvetta was an only child, her mother and father preceded her in death. She was a lifetime member of Wesley Trinity United Methodist Church.
She graduated from Blackshear High School at the age of 16. After High School, Alvetta attended Huston–Tillotson University, a private historically black university in Austin, Texas, where she graduated with a Bachelors of Business Administration Degree.
Alvetta married Benjamin F. Kelly on August 25, 1954, and to this union three children were born.
Alvetta had a beautiful smile and a warm heart, a generous loving sprit, always putting others first before her own needs. She absolutely loved teaching, football, track, cooking, and helping others.
She had a passion for teaching and absolutely loved her students. Alvetta’s teaching career spanned over 30 years where she taught at Blackshear Elementary School, Belaire Elementary School, and Austin Elementary School. She retired at the age of 55 from Austin Elementary School in 1991.
Her favorite pass-time was reading her bible and daily devotions, sports, cooking, helping others, and sending greeting cards to friends and relatives.
Over the years she had taken several ASU students/football players under her wings. Loving each of them as only a mom could. Attending their football games, providing home cooked meals, and sharing her love and support. One football player in particular, Michael H. Millegan, who she lovingly referred to as her self-adopted son, remained in constant contact and communication with her until her death. They shared a special bond unlike any other.
She leaves to cherish her memory: two daughters, Sharon Evonne Kelly Rivers of Missouri City, TX, Patricia LaTrelle Kelly Thompson of San Angelo, TX, a son Michael Durand Kelly of San Angelo, TX, and her self-adopted son, Michael H. Millegan of Seattle WA. Grandson, Andre Lanier Thompson, great granddaughter, Alyssa Thompson both of San Angelo, TX, and a great grandson Kelien Thompson of San Angelo, TX. A brother-in-law James A. Kelly and spouse Dessie Kelly of Inglewood, CA, two sisters-in-law, Bettie Kelly of San Angelo, TX and Bobby Kelly of Clinton, MD, Ruby Lott, of North Carolina, and The Bradley Family, of Calfornia. Numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of relatives and friends, including her dear friends, Mary Jean Lewis, Mae Francis Owens and Ralph Powell of San Angelo, Texas, also survive Alvetta.
The family expresses deep appreciation to Shannon Hospital 4th and 6th floor nursing, CNA, and housekeeping staff, DaVita Dialysis Center and Staff, Park Plaza Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, the nurses, staff members, employees, friends who live at Park Plaza. She also leaves two special caring friends at Park Plaza; her dear roommate Pat Hawkins and Sylvia Rodriguez, her most dedicated caregiver.
Open visitation will be from 3:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. on Friday July 8, 2017 at Harper Funeral Home. The Funeral Service will be 10:30 A.M., Saturday July 8, 2017 at Harper Funeral Home in San Angelo with Rev. Jeremy Walker officiating. Interment will follow at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.
September 12 2014, Michael H. Millegan donated funds for renovation of what is now known as the Ben & Alvetta Kelly Weight Room in the Junell Center/Stephens Arena. Michael H. Millegan also created the Ben & Alvetta Kelly Football Scholarship Endowment, which will annually award a scholarship to a member of the ASU Rams football team. In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to the Ben & Alvetta Scholarship Endowment at Angelo State University by contacting Jamie Akins.
Family and friends may share condolences and sign the online register book at
www.harper-funeralhome.com