"God will wipe away every tear from their eye. There Will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain for the order of things has passed away."

On February 22nd, 1922 a baby girl was born to the proud parents of Clara and William Longley of McCullough Corner, Nassau, Bahamas. They named her Isadora; she was the third child of that union. Clara and her three daughters resided in Nassau for seven years, while William seeked work in Miami, Florida. Upon his return to Nassau, William took his family and moved to Long Bay Cays, Andros.

Isadora, who was affectionately called "Issy" by her friends and family attended the Long Bay Cays All Age School. Issy flourished and became a pillar stone of strength for her friends and family. After leaving school Issy herself became a mother and gave birth to her first born son Asquith.

On December 22nd, 1941 Isadora met, courted and married her late husband, Bertram. Two years later the union was blessed with a son, whom they called Brudienell.

Like many Bahamians Nell as he was called by Issy, went on "The Contract" in 1943, where he remained for about five years. Upon his return the family lived in Nassau and later returned to Andros.

When the grandchildren came along, to us she was "Ma Kelly". We knew that when you went to Ma Kelly's house, you got what you wanted. If Papa Kelly told us no, Ma Kelly would always override him and it was yes. Ma Kelly baked and cooked whatever you wanted. If Papa Kelly children and grandchildren where precious to her and she showered them with lots of love and care. She taught us how to make out light in the soda bottle and most of all the art of catching crab.

Ma Kelly was a blessing in her community. Her home was always opened to everyone. She cooked and fed everyone who came by; the School Teachers, the visiting priest and Government employees, You could pass her house at 5am in the morning and smell the bread and potato bread baking and her stew fish cooking. By midday you could visit her again and lunch would be served to whoever came by. Dinner was always served on time.

For many years Isadora toiled in her field but she also worked for the Bahamas Government receiving the mail from the mail boat and cleaning the park.

In 2004 Ma Kelly was brought to Nassau to live with her son Brudienell and his family. At this time she could not care for herself. She was completely blind and Alzheimer's was creeping in. Even though her memory was fading Ma Kelly still sang her gospel songs and quoted her scriptures. She looked forward to her visits with Father Walkine and Father Bartlett. When they arrived she knew exactly who it was. Ma Kelly could not see but she knew every evening when Deja and Evan came. She would sing and try to dance with them. She could not see them but she loved feeling there faces and just rubbing them.

On Thursday October 4th, as Ms Angela, Evan and i prayed and read the bible to Ma Kelly I knew that it was only a matter of time. She layed her head on my shoulders and held my hands, she refused to eat, she tried to talk but she was too tired to talk. I told Ms. Angie " She is seeing the angels now, she is ready." At 2:30 that morning Ms Angela called, she said "Rochelle you need to come now, I think she is ready." Ma Kelly Slipped away to be with her Jesus.

She will be greatly missed by those who had the pleasure of sharing in her life. Her kindness and generosity will forever be remembered