Lula Belle (Radford) Kellam

Ms. Lula Belle Kellam, 84, of Kite passed away Saturday, January 23, 2021 at Emanuel Medical Center in Swainsboro following a brief illness.

Ms. Kellam was born September 15, 1936 in Kite to the late Ben Radford and Myrtice Kight Radford.  She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter, Debra Braswell; sisters, Dorothy Dailey, and Mary Newsome Tapley; brothers, Lee Radford, and Ernest “Frog” Radford.

Ms. Lula Belle Kellam, also known as Lulu, grew up in Kite, Georgia. In her younger years, she worked in the fields around her hometown. She attended and graduated from Kite High School. She was also a loving and dedicated member of Kite First Baptist Church for 50+ years, and she loved the Lord. She later worked at Swainsboro Sportswear for 25 plus years. In the early 80s, Ms. Kellam began her entrepreneurship of many sorts selling different merchandise at many flea markets. In 1993, Ms. Kellam opened her business, Kellam’s Variety Store, in Wrightsville. She continued her journey for many years, and moved her store several times. In 1996, she settled her business on South Green street in Swainsboro, next to The Boneyard, where she has been for the past 25 years. With the help of her loving family her business blossomed. Her customers soon realized she was more than just a sales woman, but a mother to them. Customers from all over would refer to her as “mama Kellam,” just “ma,” or “Ms. Kelly.” She loved her Kellams family, and that is what kept her going for many years. Her family was also a big part of her life. She cherished every moment she had with each of them. She was a woman who was rooted in her faith, and it showed through her everyday life. She was a highly respected and beloved member of this community. She will always be remembered for her heart of gold and her compassion for each and every person that was blessed to have met her.

Survivors include her daughter, Mary E. Duffy of Swainsboro; sisters, Eloise Jackson of Wrightsville and Lois (Larry) Marsh of Sandersville; grandchildren, Joe Duffy of Swainsboro, Nicole “Nikki” Braswell of Swainsboro, and Cole (Amy) Braswell of Griffin; great grandchildren, Caty Cheatham of Ackworth, Sabrina Duffy of Savannah, Avery Duffy of Kennesaw, Laylah Braswell and Elijah Braswell both of Twin City; special nephew, Austin Hood of Kite, several nieces, nephews, and many friends.

Funeral Services will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at the chapel of Chapman Funeral Home with Reverends Burton Dixon and Lamar Kersey officiating.

Interment will follow in the Bethel United Methodist Church Cemetery near Kite.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday, January 25, 20201 at Chapman Funeral Home.

Pallbearers are Robert Screws, Cody Usry, Trinton Thigpen, Kelly Thigpen, Cameren Joiner, Michael Daley.

Honorary Pallbearers are Billy Newsome, Albert Smith, Harry Winfrey, Leland Tapley, Larry Marsh, Lloyd Slater, John Spivey Rountree, Michale “Kahuna” Hall

In compliance with the guidelines set by the CDC, 6 feet rule will be enforced during visitation and service.

Condolences may be expressed at www.chapmanfhofswainsboro.com

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro is in charge of the arrangements for Ms. Lula Belle Kellam, 84, of Kite.