Dr. Russell V. Kelley Jr.

DR. RUSSELL V. KELLEY was a native of Norfolk Virginia, the son of the late Russell Kelley Senior and Fannie Armfield Kelley. He was born on December 21,1934 and lived a rich and rewarding life touching and enriching so many lives along the way. He was reared in a loving, Christian home and accepted the Lord at an early age while attending the Shiloh Baptist Church of Norfolk. Russell peacefully returned to our Heavenly Father on Monday,July 29, 2024. Russell was educated in the Norfolk Public Schools System. After graduation from Booker T. Washington High School, he enrolled in Virginia State College where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. His graduate study included a Master of Science degree in Science Education from New York University, a General Electric Fellowship at Union College, Schenectady, New York, National Science Foundation Summer Fellowships at Pace College, New York City, and Stanford, University Marine Biology Station in Pacific Grove, California.In 1972 Dr. Kelley earned a PHD. degree in Biology from Purdue University where he was a Ford Foundation Fellow. Always a mentor and teacher, Dr. Kelley taught in Downing town, Pennsylvania and Plainview, Long Island, New York before joining the Science Education faculty at Morgan State University in 1966. He served Morgan in numerous capacities, including as Chair of the Department of Science Education, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs and Chair of the Department of Biology. He was one of the founders of the annual Morgan State University Science Fair, which he chaired for 20 years. He was also the Maryland Chair of the Mathematics, Engineering Science Achievement (MESA) National Program. Russell was also a member of the Black and Jewish Forum of Baltimore (Baltimore BLEWS). Russell was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. for 69 years including three years as President of the Delta Lambda Chapter. He served on the Chapter’s Foundation Board and was Chair of the Political Action Committee. He was also the founder of the Chapter’s annual tennis tournament. Over the years, Russell and Delores have been members of several Christian denominations, including the Lutheran Church, Disciples of Christ, and Union Baptist Church. For over 35 years he was a faithful member of Union. He served on the Trustee Board, the Church Property Committee, the Stewardship and Legacy Ministry and the Cyber Center Mentoring Ministry. He also served as a member of the College Savings Plan of Maryland and on the Maryland Higher Education Commission. Russell had a loving family life, married for over 66 years to Dr. Delores G. Kelley, retired professor, and State Senator. He and Delores enjoyed following the careers and civic endeavors of their children, Norma, Russell, and Brian. Throughout his career, Russell was a beacon of light and hope to hundreds of students across the country, helping them to succeed in an array of professional careers. He is fondly remembered by generations of students. Russell leaves to cherish his wonderful memory: his loving and devoted wife, Delores; his sons, Russell V. Kelley,III (Kristina) and Dr. Brian T. Kelley (Violette); three granddaughters, Anastasia, Christina and Beatrice; son-in love,Dr. Aaron Johnson; sisters, Lorraine Bullock (Lionel), Lillian K. Pierce, Denise Vice (Nathan); one brother,Darryl Kelley, Esq.(Evelyn); and a host of family and friends. Russell was preceded in death by his loving daughter Norma Kelley Johnson, sister Glondese Kelley Howard, and brothers Eugene Kelley and Rev. William Kelley

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Dr. Russell V. Kelley Jr.

December 21, 1934 - July 29, 2024