Superintendent Elijah Kelley,Jr.

Wake:

Friday, November 25, 2016, 6:00-10:00 p.m.

Remnant of Grace Church of God in Christ
2320 56th Street
Dallas, Texas 75241

Saturday, November 26, 2016, 11:00 a.m.

Lighthouse Church of God in Christ
2127 Corinth Street
Dallas, Texas

Celebrating The Life and Legacy of Superintendent Elijah Kelley Jr.
Not a singer that happened to preach, but a Preacher called by God who was gifted to sing.

Preacher, teacher, servant-leader, evangelist, father, worshiper, musician, counselor, pastor and Supt. Underneath the veil of his humble demeanor and gentle smile, was a caterpillar like story of transformation and transition. Incredible was the man of God. He was a passionate orator and biblical teacher, whose desire was to be a living epistle, glorifying our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ both in word and in deed. Many say his voice was heavenly, while others could readily identify the anointing. Characteristically ringing with power and authority as he masterfully illustrated with excellence the Word of God. Not only was his delivery exemplary but, his personal relationship with God brought to life the message of hope and healing. Supt. Elijah Kelley Jr., was born to the parentage of the late Supt. Elijah Kelley Sr. and Mother Geneva Levine Kelley. He was the 7th of 10 children. He was nurtured in a Christian home with biblical values and principles. Chosen by God from his mother’s womb, and unable to deny the pull, at his heart, at the tender age of 8 years old he gave his heart to the Lord. He served as a member of the Lighthouse COGIC where he nurtured his passion for God and cultivated his yielded lifestyle which led to an anointing to preach and teach the word of God with authority, revelation, and deliverance. He preached his first sermon at the age of 12 and never turned back. He was certainly prepared for Kingdom work. In January, 1982 he was licensed as a minister of the Church of God in Christ.
A highly momentous occasion took place in Minister Kelley’s life, and indeed the life of the entire Kelley family, when on June 9th, 1984 shortly before his 22nd birthday, he wed the beautiful Miss Sheila G. Price. A perfect soul-mate and some would say a match made in heaven, Lady Kelley was a tremendous blessing to this man of God and the ministry where they served together as leaders. To this union 2 sons were born, Demian Isaiah and Gabriel Deon Kelley. An extension was made to the family when Demian married the lovely Ms. Tiffany Monique Harrison and from that union, stemmed the apples of his eye, his 1st biological grandson, Dillion Elias Kelley and granddaughter Neyomi Kaye Kelley. Minister Kelley has passed his love and devotion for the things of God on to his children, therefore his legacy will certainly continue. While he has only 2 biological children he was a father to many. Pastor Kelley had several god children, which he had a vital role in their lives in addition to the children of the Deliverance Chapel Church family. Minister Kelley continued to seek after God and was ordained as an Elder of the Church of God in Christ Ministries in 1990, under the Late Bishop James E. Lee of the Texas East Jurisdiction.
After hearing the “Clarion Call” of God and excepting the mantle of his late father Supt. Elijah Kelley Sr., Eld. Kelley transitioned from “Mourning to Ministry”. Eld. Kelley was ordained as Pastor of the Deliverance Chapel of Church in God in Christ in June 2004. A monumental “SHIFT” in the atmosphere took place as he took on the role as Pastor, serving for more than 12 years. His journey of elevation during trouble times was a testament to those that mourn, God gives beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified. The anointing that was on the life of this man of God penetrated the heart, mind and soul. Many were liberated by his preaching and teaching, but most of all by his example. A “Worthy Vessel” certainly was he. Being steadfast and unmovable was simply a part of his nature. Being the visionary that he was and expecting a harvest, Pastor Kelley sought the Lord for increase and he had a real life Jericho like experience. Pastor sought out the land, then in the spirit of Joshua and under the leading of the Lord, went and marched around the building 7 times and sealed the promises of God. God granted the man of God his petition and his heart’s desire and in March of 2005 the church went in and took possession of our current facility located at 1438 Hortense Ave. in Dallas, TX. God’s approval was evident as Pastor had seen growth both in the church and in his personal life. He was appointed as Superintendent of the Elijah Kelley Memorial District in 2011.
He was innovative in his approach to winning the lost. Eld. Kelley was committed to his community and enjoyed taking the message to the masses. He was often recognized for his Humanitarian service. This ministry has initiated a Full Life approach with an emphasis of addressing the spiritual, financial, educational, physical and mental needs of the body of Christ. When he was not spreading the word of God, he could be found visiting the sick, ministering to the needs of the less fortunate and simply busy about his Father’s business, compelling men to come. With over 42 years in the ministry, Pastor Kelley was committed to sharing the “Good News of Jesus Christ” with all he came in contact with and continued to encourage every individual to pursue a personal relationship with God. His ultimate goal was to encourage “Believers” to elevate their level of worship and praise.
If you were to inquire, you would find that he had been a most valuable asset to many ministries since their beginning, rather it be in the way of music or plain ole “Holy Ghost” revival, he was there to lend a helping hand. He continued to undergird these leaders in the way of evangelistic service. His passion for ministry was evident and his personal impact certainly effective. Pastor Kelley had the awesome pleasure to experience and see the results of his labor as a faithful leader. The beginning of the El Shaddai Church of God in Christ ministry under the leadership of Pastor Edward and Lady Tangela Taylor was a direct result of this man of God pouring into the lives of those he shepherd.
This man of God, wore many hats including evangelist, musician, soloist, praise and worship leader, and choir director just to name a few. Supt. Kelley received his formal education in the Wilmer-Hutchins Independent School District. He was currently pursuing his education in Theological Studies at the Southern Bible Institute in Dallas, TX. Pastor Kelley was celebrated throughout his lifetime for his service in ministry. He received several awards of appreciation from the Linwood Nursing Home, the Missionary District as Director of Music, the Agape Temple of Deliverance Church as well as an award for 20 years of “Faithful Service” to the music department, choir and youth department from the Deliverance Chapel Church where he also served as Assistant Pastor. In addition, he was honored as Pastor of the month by KGGR radio. He was a recipient of the prestigious S.E. Mitchell Evangelistic award and was recognized at the AIM Convocation.
Maestro is a term used to describe master musicians who have been instrumental in the training of talented musicians. Pastor Kelley was well deserving of this label. He had been instrumental in the development and training of many of the talented musicians who now serve our great church today. The anointing of God and the favor that was on his life had opened doors for him to appear on network television including the Bobby Jones Gospel Show where he shared the stage with Beverly Crawford, Yolanda Adams and the great Shirley Caesar just to name a few. In addition, he had the honor of performing with Dr. Bernard Johnson on numerous occasions. He also had the opportunity to pursue his dream of releasing his very own solo music project. Pastor Kelley held fast to the word that declared “Without a Vision, the people perish.” He was a man that truly sought the “Heart of God” for ministry and the people of God. His worship, his praise, his anointing was definitely shifting the atmosphere. You would often hear him reciting one of his favorite scriptures, Jude 1:24-25 “Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Savior, Be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen
He leaves to cherish his memory a loving and dedicated wife of 32 years, Missionary Shelia Kelley, 2 devoted sons, Demian Isaiah (Tiffany), Gabriel Deon Kelley. Grand-children Dillon Elias and Neyomi Kaye Kelley. God Children, Cedric Bell, Jescia Jackson (Heath) and Katarus Moore and God-grandchildren. A loving Mother, Missionary Geneva Kelley, Siblings: Monica Wallace, Edith Wallace (Thomas), Genether Spivery (John), Standford (BoBo), Davida (Kenny), Nandina (Darrell), Josephine (Felix), Frances. A host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and Faithful church family.