Eric Dwayne Kelly

Man was not able to provide a specific date of life's departure ERIC, as of yet , but we believe that his transition from earth to glory took place on May 21, 2011. Contrary to the standard obituary format, we 've decided to Eric's life from the latter to the former. Today , Eric leaves to cherish his memory , his mother , Maggie B. Kelley; father Marcel A. Coates; three children Erica D. Kelly, Eric D. Kelly, Jr and Montery Kelly; three sisters, Rhonda Kelley, Tracey G. Coates and Samantha “Sam” Mumford; four brothers, Brian Kelley, Elijah Kelly, Kenneth Kelley,and Samuel Mumford; blended family members, Raymond Kelley, Sr and Jr., Vickie L. Coates, William W. Sinkler, Jr Yannick K. Sinkerand Brierre L.Sinkler; two sisters-in-law, Jackie Kelley and Shanita Kelley; twenty eight nieces and nephews; one great niece two great -nephews; Janice Gentry and a countless number of other cousins; six best friends Glen Clark , Tavon Higgins, Juan “Trike” Jackson, Ronald Williams, Brian Kelley and the late Jeffery Pernell; and a host of other special friends and well wishers. In Eric's latter days, he continued to maintain a strong relationship with his three children. The family structure was very important to him . No doubt this close bond was enchanced based on his solid relationship with his parents, siblings and close friends. As he witnessed his parents sharing responsibilites over him, he and his former wife, Shanna, adopted a similar practice. Eric was always passionate about the Lord Jesus Christ and their relationship. During his formative years , while living with either of his parents , Eric recognized that Jesus Christ was the center of each household. Eric spent plenty of time in church with his father . Eric accepted Jesus Christ and was baptized at Calvary Baptist in baltimore, Maryland . The Jesus in his life was extended to everyone he would meet. Eric's commitment to the family and Jesus Christ cannot be overstressed. He really loved the Lord and Demonstrated that love to his family. Professionally, Eric was one with an array of talents . He could be characterized as one who would be available to meet immediate needs. White or Blue Collar work rendered no task too hard for him As an independent contractor, his work allowed him to meet and greet individuals from various stations of life His interpersonal skills, talents and abilities provided a launching pad to level the playing field on business matters and to casually invite Jesus to enter the situation . So often he would just operate in the ministry of Presence. Plumbling, electrical, and others types of manual labor were all completed with ease and excellence . He had keen eye for getting to the root of problems and resolving them quick and fast and in hurry. He was a welcomed member of anyone's team . Speaking of teams, Eric was quite a sportsman. He loved playing games and provided opportunities for children to have good clean fun. Academics was challenge he accepted with reservations. He always felt hard pressed when it came to good study habits. He never thought that it was easy , yet he continued at his own pace. One positiveatep for him was his physical move from Baltimore to Chicago, Illnois. He aligned himself with the internationally known “Pacific Garden Mission,” home of the worldwide radio program “Unshackled”. As a result of that union, he enrolled, as a full time student at the MOODY BIBLE INSTITUTE. Irrespective of how hard pressed he felt studing was, he made the Dean's List a number of times. In response to God's call, in June of 2008, Eric was licensed by Tiberia Baptist Church to preach the Gospel. He later moved his fellowship to Lilydale Progressive Missonary Baptist Church. However, prior to his early departure, he has to his credit many friends streching from borders of the United to the historic city of Loudon, England. Eric was product of the school system in Philadelphia and Baltimore City. Subsequent to completinga couse of study in Baltimore City, he received his GEDand used that accomplishment as a springboard to higher learning. Eric was a very gifted writer and motivational speaker who did not mind expressing his gifts to others . He loved to write stories songs and poems about the Lord . Life for Eric, as with so many others was not a single bed of roses . It came with its ups and downs, Joy of the Lord is one's strength and that it is Jesus who is the strength giver and the great provider. From humble beginings, Eric was born on October 22, 1966 in Winnsboro, South Carolina. He was the first born son of Margie B Kelley and Marcel A. Coates. As time continued, Margie and Eric moved to big city of Philadelphia and ultimately to Baltimore where Margie initially resided for many years. First born son Eric , later became the elder child of Kelley family. To whom much is given much is required. Eric's legacy is embodied in his most famous saying “Praise Jesus" As he passed through this way we are encouraged and committed to be strong in the Lord. We walk inthe assurance that we share in the Jesus Victory" over death hell in the grave. You have seen Eric once and you have a good chance to see im again, if you believe.

Tributes

Eric Dwayne Kelly

October 22, 1966 - May 21, 2011