Marian Elizabeth Kelley

Obituary For Marian Elizabeth Kelley

Marian Elizabeth Kelley passed away peacefully on August 20, 2026, in Canton, Ohio, surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Born on November 5, 1927, to Mary Frances Robinson, Marian lived a long life centered on family, work, and lasting connections with those around her.

Marian graduated from McKinley High School, where she played basketball and volleyball and was a member of the traveling softball team. She later became the first Black secretary to work in City Hall under the late Harry S. Miller and, after many years of public service, retired from the Unemployment Office.

Marian leaves to cherish her memory her children, Rinaldo “Ricky” Barkley I, Terrylae Barkley Tuck, Sheila Barkley Bennett, and stepdaughter Janetta Kelly; grandchildren Sheila (Jason) Campbell, Tammi (Richard) Nelson, Rinaldo (Lisa) Barkley II, Tanganica (Chad) Tucker, Kionna Stokes, Robin Iman,Angel Barkley, Jacqlyn Barkley (Vincent) and Johnathan Kelley; special grandson Alpha Bennet Barkley (Jamie); special great-granddaughter Chelaeh Frazier; 41 great-grandchildren; 35 great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Frances Barkley; nephews Howard (Denise) Robinson and William Barkley; nieces and goddaughters Allemah Narsullah Muhammad (Anita) and Delonda Hawkins (Dee Dee); a special daughter, Sharon (John) Johnson; and a special niece, Christine Smith.

Marian was preceded in death by her husband, John R. Kelley; her first husband and the father of her children, Jasper Barkley “Stormy”; her mother, Mary F. Robinson; brother, Howard M. Robinson Sr.; sister-in-law, Eula P. Robinson “Sue”; nieces, Kathy Perrin and Sandra Robinson; nephew, Robbie Robinson; granddaughter, Lisa Barrino; grandsons, Domiono Nelson, Joshua Nelson, and Javon Hood; cousin, Margaret “Domingo” Tavares; and her best friend, Norman Hall.

The Celebration of Life Services will be held on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at The Living Word Christian Fellowship, 701 Broad Avenue NW, Canton, Ohio, with an 11:00 AM public viewing, followed by the funeral at 12:00 p.m. with her nephew Howard Robinson Jr. officiating. After the committal ceremony, the interment will follow at serene meadows of Forest Hill Cemetery.

The family extends sincere thanks to her nursing staff, Whitney Watson, Amy Hostic, Shalonda Gialluca, Davon Burton “Dash,” Gaylon Sweat, and the rest of the Sanctuary nursing staff.

For a caring farewell, at this time of intimate need and personal loss, the family of Marian Elizabeth Kelley elected to entrust the Ministry of Comfort & Care, along with Transitional After-Care Arrangements to the J. E. Washington Funeral Services, 1617 Third St. NE, Canton, Ohio, Phone: 330-454-3901. Marian Elizabeth Kelley will be forever loved and missed by her family.

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