Lula “Lou” Mae Longest Kelly, 86, of Gloucester, Virginia, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2017 at Heron Cove Assisted Living, where she spent her final days surrounded by her family.

One of eight children, Lou was born on May 7, 1930 to Floyd and Olive Longest of St. Stephens Church, Virginia, and was raised and educated in King & Queen County. Lou married the love of her life, Herbert W. Kelly, DVM, in 1954, while he was studying at Virginia Tech, and the young couple later moved to Athens, Georgia, while he finished veterinary school at the University of Georgia. The couple raised their two sons in Newport News and then retired to their beloved York Haven Farm in Gloucester in 1976. The couple spent their retirement traveling the world and cruising on their boat, ‘The Kelly Girl’. 

Lou was one of the founding members of White Marsh Baptist Church and the Walter Reed Garden Club. Gardening was just one of Lou’s many creative outlets. Always a place of beauty, York Haven Farm showcased her many talents and passions.

Lou exuded southern charm and a caring spirit, and spent many years volunteering at Walter Reed and Riverside Regional Hospitals. A doting grandmother, Lou regularly spent her weekends with her grandchildren who adored her and will miss her greatly.

Lou was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert W. Kelly Jr., DVM; her son, Paul Scott Kelly; her parents, Floyd and Olive Longest; brothers Williard and Melvin Longest; sisters Geneva Bowen and Dorothy Caravati.

Lou was a loving mother, a devoted grandmother and a cherished friend. She is survived by her son, Steven Floyd Kelly of Gloucester; grandchildren, Erin Kelly Fryer and her husband Randall Fryer of Lanexa, and Sean Paul Kelly of Lanexa. Her first great-grandchild, Parker Lula Fryer, is expected this summer. Lou is also survived by her sister, Marie Simpkins, and brothers, David and Edmond Longest, as well as a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Family and friends will gather at Andrews Funeral Home & Crematory, 7192 Main Street, Gloucester Court House, Virginia, on Thursday, April 6th for a viewing at 10 a.m., immediately followed by a funeral service at 11 o’clock.  Interment will follow at Sharon Baptist Church in King William County.

Memorial donations may be made to the Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society.