Scottie Jean Kelley

Scottie Jean Kelley, age 88, a resident of Bridgeport, WV departed this life on Wednesday, September 8, 2021. She was born March 3, 1933 in Barbour County, WV, the daughter of the late Kenneth and Macel (Stemple) Marsh. Jean was united in marriage on January 5, 1952 to D. Paul Kelley who survives at home; they were blessed to have celebrated 69 years of marriage.

Also surviving are her two devoted children: Jeff Kelley and wife Nancy, and Tammy Hefner and husband Greg.

She was blessed with five loving grandchildren: Amber Gatewood and husband Mark, Ashley Workman and husband Evan, Megan Bobby and husband Brian, Matthew Hefner and fiancé Lisa Dillinger, and Amanda Sweet and husband Andrew.

She was also blessed with nine lively great grandchildren: Easton Workman, Ava Shultz, Brayden Bobby, Landon Bobby, Tucker Sweet, Archer Workman, Isaac Hefner, Harley Gatewood, and Ashton Bobby.

Also surviving are sisters Velma Wilson (Denver), Beverly Schultz, Jackie Marsh, and Beth Fulmer (Larry), brother Kenny Marsh (Joyce), also sister-in-law Brenda Marsh, and brother-in-law Tom Long.

She was preceded in death by her stepmother Winifred Marsh, brother Jack Marsh, and sister Charlotte Long, along with brother-in-law Jimmy Schultz.

Jean grew up in Nestorville, WV and graduated from Kasson High School in 1951. She was a member of Simpson Creek Baptist Church and active in the Lora D. Kirby Circle. She worked at various drug stores and Maidenform in her early years. She had a longtime career of 42 years at the Bridgeport Library. She loved organizing and running the book sale and officially retired at the age of 79, vowing to do so before she turned 80. She was an avid reader and could often be found with a book in her hand.

One of her favorite pastimes was visiting, and she loved giving of her time and resources, like bags of books and vegetables from the garden. In the summer, you could find her gardening and putting up food at the farm with Paul and her family. She passed down canning skills and recipes that will continue to be used for generations to come. She kept a spotless house and made the best pepperoni rolls. She had a passion for organizing the games at the Marsh reunion and especially loved playing bingo.

Her grandchildren were the light of her life and even more so, her great grandchildren. She could be found playing games with them like hide-and-seek well into her eighties. She was a fun-loving and enthusiastic part of their lives and a grandma figure to many outside of her family, as well.

Her family and friends will lovingly remember her humor and her beautiful, ever-present smile.

A private family funeral service will be conducted with Pastor Mike Hopkins officiating. Interment will be at New Hope Valley Church Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to the New Hope Valley Cemetery Fund c/o Jeff Kelley, 1888 Mountaineer Rd. Moatsville, WV 26405 or Simpson Creek Baptist Church Deacons Fund, 231 W Philadelphia Ave. Bridgeport WV 26330.