Beatrice "Bea" Fern McPherson Kelly (82), born on June 2, 1942, in Peoria, Illinois, to Althea and J. Ham McPherson, passed away peacefully at home on April 22, 2025, surrounded by the family she cherished so deeply. Her life was a beautiful testament to love, resilience, faith, and the joy found in family—both by birth and by choice.

Bea's early years were spent traveling across the country with her family as her father worked as a traveling salesman. Those adventures nurtured her love of people, adaptability, and deep-rooted appreciation for home. She graduated from A.C. Jones High School in Beeville, Texas, before going on to earn a degree in psychology from Southeastern Oklahoma State University—a passion she used every day in both her personal life and her decades-long career working with children.

A devoted disciple of her Savior, Jesus Christ, Bea found strength, peace, and purpose in her faith. She was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served joyfully in many capacities throughout her life. Her love of the gospel and commitment to Christ's teachings shaped the way she loved and lifted those around her.

Family was the center of Bea's world. She was the proud mother of four children: Paul Killion (wife Kim), Cynthia Bergquist (late husband Karl), Sharon Russell (husband Sean), and Brianna Sundberg (husband Christopher). Her heart was big enough for more, and she lovingly adopted five additional children: Donald Kelly (wife Robyn), Ray Kelly (wife Kristi), Roy Kelly (wife Jessica), Sean Kelly, and Amber Gresham (husband Paul). Bea's love and influence lives on in the many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who were truly the light of her life.

She is also remembered fondly by her sister Deborah Eisenbrown (late husband Doug), and sister-in-law Janet McPherson, wife of her late brother Tom McPherson and their family.

Bea was married twice, first to Neil H. Killion and later to Roy William Kelly in 1981. Her second marriage brought fullness to her family that would shape the rest of her life.

Known for her quiet strength and giving spirit, Bea dedicated 32 years to the Sherman Independent School District as a school bus driver. She found deep joy and purpose in caring for the children on her routes, always offering a warm smile, a listening ear, and a kind word.

Outside of her work, Bea found happiness in simple pleasures—sewing for her loved ones, cooking meals that gathered family around the table, and working on puzzles. Every stitch, every dish, every small moment was an act of love.

Her life was defined by faith, generosity, unwavering devotion, and a heart that made everyone feel like family. She leaves behind a legacy not just in the lives of those she raised and nurtured, but in the example, she set—of compassion, commitment, and Christlike love.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

There will be a memorial service on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 10 am for friends and family.