Rose Marie Cox Kelly passed away on January 23, 2019 at the age of 98. She was surrounded by family and close friends when she joined the communion of saints. Marie was born in Gilliam, Louisiana on the 4^th day of July 1920. She felt honored to share her birthday with the celebration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Like the country she adored, she was fiercely independent and loved a great fireworks display. Marie cherished her time at Louisiana Tech, where she met her husband of 64 years, James Deskin Kelly and her 104-year-old, lifelong friend, Martee (Mrs. Duane Rhea). As a lifelong learner and avid reader, Marie enrolled in a Dale Carnegie course in public speaking, which made a lasting impact; encouraging her to serve her church, her clubs and her community. This was evident through her volunteerism, membership and leadership in: First United Methodist Church (Homer), Methodist Missionary Society, United Methodist Women, Homer Garden Club, Sunday School teacher (she taught well into her 90's), Daughters of the American Revolution (LA State Society/Claiborne Parish Chapter National Society), The Herbert S. Ford Museum (Homer), the WWII Museum of New Orleans and Homer Memorial Hospital. Marie also supported the: Claiborne Parish Public Library, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, LA Methodist Children's Home (Ruston), and Main Street Homer. Marie is preceded in death by her parents, Sidney and Willie Frances L. Cox, and siblings, Lorraine McKinney and Sidney Cox Jr. She is survived by her sister in law, Rita H. Cox, her special niece, Sybil Kelly, her children, Sylvia K. McClung (and husband, James Robert), Roslind K. Long (and husband, Rod), her Grandchildren, James W. McClung, Paul R. McClung (and wife, Meg), Elizabeth Gladney Hutchison (and husband, Brad), seven great grandchildren, Julie Marie, Alyssa, Brianna, Molly Kate, Caleb, Holden, and Walker McClung, and her multiple nieces and nephews. The family suggests memorials be made to any of her loved organizations listed above (or the charity of your choice) and offer our sincere appreciation for Regional Hospice and most of all, for the abiding care offered by Dr. Samuel K. Abshire. All were invited to celebrate Marie's life, both at the graveside service Monday, January 28^th at 10:30 a.m., at Forest Park Cemetery (Shreveport), and the Memorial service at 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church (Homer). Reverends Danny Baskin, Dr. Pat Bates, David Dietzel and Jason Leonard were officiating. At Marie\'s request, immediately following the service, the family hosted a reception at Buck Creek Lodge in Homer.

Rose-Neath Funeral Home

Homer Chapel (318) 927-6110

www.rose-neath.com