Mrs. Augustine Bibb Kelly Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." (Proverbs 31:30) On July 16, 1939, Robert and Sina Mae Bibb became the proud parents of their second daughter whom they named Augustine. They soon learned that this little girl had it all charm, beauty, and brains. Having been blessed with a vibrant personality, a radiant smile, a desire to excel, and a deep love for God, Augustine developed into a woman to be praise After joining Sweet Rest Church, she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal savior, and sought to please him with every fiber of her being. She viewed the world with compassion, as she believed Christ did. She worked untiringly for the people of her church and community. She poured herself into studying the Bible, becoming a superior Sunday School teacher, a valued Church Clerk for over thirty years, choir member, and deaconess. The church was her life-blood, and she was fully engaged on local, district, diocese, and national levels. Having been educated in the Rankin County School System, in 1961, she enrolled in Campbell College where she pursued a degree in secretarial science. Upon graduation, she was selected as salutatorian and elected Miss Campbell College. Later, she landed a job at Jackson Public Schools (JPS) where she advanced, and, ultimately, served as secretary to the district assistant superintendent. She never hid her Christianity while at work, but she let her light shine brightly, and like a magnet, people were attracted to that light. Her stellar career with JPS spanned a period of over thirty years. In 1962, Augustine married her high school sweetheart, Robert Kelly, Jr., and after seventeen years of marriage, they were blessed with their only child, Chesley, who was, indeed, their little miracle. Augustine's home was always filled with family and friends, people who enjoyed her company and her delicious, home-cooked meals. When her husband passed away after a lengthy illness, she was saddened, but with the support of her family, Augustine continued her work faithfully. Always civic minded, she was an active member of the MS Democratic Party, and later, she served as chairman of the Rankin County Democratic Executive Committee for eight years. She was the first African American woman to hold the position. Passionate about voting rights, Augustine eagerly worked to advance voter registration, managed poll worker assignments, and distributed sample ballots to communities. The Mississippi Democratic Party paid tribute to her work by presenting her with the prestigious Fannie Lou Hammer Award for outstanding civic service. In the Pearl community, Augustine was a founding board member of the PEARSON Foundation. She served on the boards of: CHAN (Community Health Advisory Board) Rankin County, the Core Planning Committee for the Pearl Public School District, the Pearl Community Center, and many others. In 2020, she was honored with a lifetime achievement award presented by Concerned Citizens of Rankin County. Augustine was never concerned about titles or the number of offices she held; her concern was always for people who needed help. She has been referred to as a lawyer, for aiding individuals in legal matters; a counselor, for her willingness to share Godly wisdom with those who needed martial, career, or spiritual guidance; and, has been lovingly referred to by some at SRC, as assistant pastor, for her knowledge of the mission and work of the church. In 2000, this woman of God was nationally recognized by COCHUSA as Woman of the Year. Affectionately called, Sister, Stine, Aunt Stine, and Sister Kelly, she was a very special lady, the voice of reason and wisdom to many. To her family, many of whom were also her neighbors, she was that, and so much more. Now that she has faithfully executed all of her life's responsibilities, her Lord has called her from labor to reward. Yes, she had it all Charm, beauty, and the fear of the Lord. Today, we praise her. She leaves to cherish her memory a loving daughter, Chesley Bullin (Christopher); four grandchildren: London, Kalia, Kyndal, and Boris; three sisters: Earline Jenkins (Henry, Sr.), Joe Ann Thompson, Helen Anderson(Cletus); three brothers: Willie Bibb, Jerry Bibb(Cheryl), and Perry Bibb(Minnie); & a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Mrs. Augustine Bibb Kelly

July 16, 1939 - August 25, 2021