Brenda Kay (Billingsley) Kelley of Paragould, passed away on Friday, October 23, 2026, in Jonesboro, Arkansas, at the age of 76. She was born on May 6, 1950, in Batesville, Arkansas.

Brenda will be remembered as a woman who loved her family deeply and took special joy in her son and grandchildren. She was especially proud of her grandchildren, and the love she held for her family remained at the center of her life.

In her professional life, Brenda taught at Northeastern College and also taught a few classes at Black River Technical College. She was a woman of many interests and simple joys. She loved to read and travel with Diane, and she delighted in singing, even making up her own songs. She also loved her church family at The Church at Paragould, which held a special place in her heart. Along with the people she cherished, Brenda also dearly loved her granddog, Toby.

Brenda is survived by her husband, Jerry Kelley of 56 years; her son, Jason Kelley (Sandra); her brother, Kirby Billingsley (Oleta); and her sister, Kendra Smith (Larry). She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Rachelle Horton (Shannon), Megan King (Adam), and Aiden Kelley, who were a great source of pride and happiness in her life. Her memory will also be treasured by her great-grandchildren, Asher and Edith, and by her best friend, Diane Fields. Each of them shared in the love, warmth, and devotion that Brenda gave so freely, and her presence will remain close in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Aubrey and Joyce Billingsley.

Visitation will be held on October 27, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at The Church at Paragould, 204 North 4th Ave, Paragould, Arkansas 72450. Funeral services under the direction of Phillips Funeral Home will follow at 11:00 a.m. at The Church at Paragould with Chris Bass officiating. Burial will follow at Old Bethel Cemetery.

Shannon Horton will serve as pallbearers. Marvin Stokes, Nathan LaRue, Barry Smith, Steve Richman, Charlie Harris, Wayne Horton, and the men at The Church at Paragould will serve as honorary pallbearers.