The family is requesting attendees to wear bright colors on the day of service.

Nannie "Nan" Kelsey was born on November 15, 1942, in Chase City, Virginia. She was the youngest of Harvey and Clara Wilsons three daughters. Her mother, Clara, passed away when Nan was just three years old, so her father left Virginia and went to New Jersey to find work. While he looked to start a new life, Nan and her two sisters, Shirlene and Christine, remained in Chase City and lived with their aunt, uncle, and cousins. After finding work and stability, Harvey returned to retrieve his girls and moved them to Atlantic Highlands, NJ, where Nan would be raised.

In 1961, Nan met the love of her life, Walter L. Kelsey, while working at a nursing home. For her, it was love at first sight. She warned every other woman working at the facility to leave Walter alone because "he was hers." Walter and Nan dated and became engaged on November 3, 1961. They married on February 13, 1962.

In February of 2022, they celebrated 60 years of wedded bliss. Nan and Walter raised four children in Neptune, NJ Lorren, Troy, Marlon, and Deirdre. Nan adored her children and had a very special relationship with each of them. Youd always find her supporting them at school functions and sporting events. As they grew into adults, she made sure she kept up with their every move, often reminding them that "you never stop being a mother." Her heart grew even bigger with the births of her grandchildren she had 13 total.

Nan loved her family tremendously and some of her fondest memories were when she was surrounded by them. Nan had a heart of gold and loved helping people. Her dream was to become a registered nurse. In 1981, she realized that dream when she graduated from the Charles E. Gregory School of Nursing in Old Bridge, NJ. She worked at Freehold Area Hospital (now Centra State) for the majority of her nursing career. She was beloved by her colleagues and patients.

Nan gave her life to Christ as a youth and served in the church for the majority of her life. While attending Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church in Atlantic Highlands, NJ, she served as a Missionary, usher, sang in multiple choirs (she was a fierce soprano,) head of the Womens Day Committee, and YPD leader. After relocating to Florida, she joined Rivers of Life Church Ministries and served as an Usher Ministry Head, Deaconess, and a member of the Seniors ministry. Nan was loved by everyone who encountered her. Her presence will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harvey and Clara Wilson; sister, Shirlene Davis; son, Marlon Kelsey, Sr. (Zelda); half-brothers, Garland Wilson and Harvey Wilson; half-sister, Lorna Wilson; and grandson, Lomar Kelsey.

She leaves precious memories with her husband, Walter Kelsey; sons, Lorren, Sr. (Lisa), and Troy, Sr. (Ebony); daughter, Deirdre; grandchildren, Lorrie, Lorren, Jr., Lormar, Troy, Jr., Yvette, Jenee, Terrance, Deja, Marius, Tyonna, Marlon, Jr., Sean, and Jordan; sister, Christine Washington; thirteen grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; a host of nieces and nephews, in-laws, and church family.

Celebration of Life
Saturday, July 23, 2022
11:00 AM
Rivers of Life Church Ministries
301 Lakewood Dr
Brandon, FL 33510