Kamila Kelley

Kamila Kelley, a lifelong resident of Cleveland, Ohio, was born and raised in the city she loved and peacefully departed this life surrounded by the legacy of faith, family, and community.

Kamila was an only child, born to Lateefah Hakeem (affectionately known as “Dicey Shaw”), who preceded her in death. Grandfather was Abdul Hakeem, and grandmother was Amtul Hafeez (Annie Shaw). She was also preceded in death by many beloved relatives, including uncles Wally Shaw and Buddy Shaw, aunt Beddie, and aunt Callie Wilson.

Kamila was formerly married to James W. Kelley and later remarried to George Irwin (Ali Jameel). From these unions, she was blessed with four children. She was preceded in death by three children: Jameel Kelley, Abdur Rahim Kelley, and Aaqila Jameel Kelley. She leaves behind her son Abdur Rahman Kelley.

She was a proud and loving grandmother to Janika Garner-Davis, DeAwnna Pretlow, Abdur Rahim Jackson “Hank,” Quartese Jackson-Lovelace, Sirraya Kelley, Anthony Jackson, Naji H. Kelley, Khadija Kelley, and Aliyya Johnson. She was also blessed with honorary grandchildren Stephen Bagley, Janise Hines, and Anthony Hines Jr., as well as a host of great-grandchildren and even great-great-grandchildren who brought her immense joy.

Kamila is also survived by first cousins Raffia Billups, Ora Shaw, and the late Delores Adams; nephew Joseph Billups; niece Andrea Delores Billups; and late nephew David Wayne Billups, along with many extended family members and loved ones.

A woman of deep faith, Kamila was a devoted and active member of the Cleveland Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, where she was honored as the eldest member and respected for wisdom, dignity, and steadfast devotion.

She attended John Hay High School and later Finn College. Kamila worked diligently throughout her life, holding positions at the VA Hospital, the Oliver Printing Company, and for former Cleveland Councilman Carl Stokes. She concluded her professional career with the United States Postal Service, from which she retired in 2005.

Kamila found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved shopping and treasured time spent with children, especially the cherished Sunday tradition of roller skating together at the Blue Goose. These moments reflected her commitment to family, togetherness, and creating lasting memories.

Kamila Kelley will be remembered as a strong matriarch, a woman of faith, resilience, and love, whose influence will continue through the many generations she nurtured and inspired. Her life was a testament to perseverance, devotion, and community, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Guests are welcome to St. John Funeral Home, 923 Broadway Ave, Bedford, OH 44146 on Tuesday, January 13 at 10 A.M with a funeral service at 11 A.M. Burial to follow at Bedford Cemetery.

Sura Fatihah

In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful.

All praise belongs to Allah alone,

Lord of all the worlds,

The Gracious, the Merciful,

Master of the Day of Judgement.

Thee alone do we worship

and Thee alone do we implore for help.

Guide us in the straight path,

The path of those on whom Thou

hast bestowed Thy favours,

Those who who have not incurred Thy displeasure

And those who have not gone astray.

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Alaihi Rajioon

Surely we belong to Allah and to Him shall we return.