Bobbie was born on April 3, 1937, in Gilmer, Texas, to Britain Callahan and Thenia Melvania Callahan. She worked as a seamstress and horticultural grower for many years and was a member of Fellowship Baptist Church in Kilgore, Texas.

Bobbie was full of life and had a bright spirit. She loved her family, friends, and her church family dearly. Those who knew her will always remember the words she so often shared: “I am blessed and highly favored.”

Bobbie married Gene Kelley on June 20, 1953, in Hope, Arkansas. They shared 64 years of marriage and built a life centered around family. Together, they raised their daughter, Bonnie O’Rourke, and two nephews, Roger and Jamie Romans.

Left to cherish Bobbie’s memory are her daughter and son-in-law, Bonnie and Bill O’Rourke; Jamie Romans; Laura Romans; grandchildren, Kelley Player and wife Crystal, Kimberly Williams and husband Glenn, Nathan O’Rourke, Nichole Cole and husband Brandon, Brandon O’Rourke and wife Callie, Mandi Townsend, Chance Romans and wife Kirstin, and Bailey Romans; great-grandchildren, Hunter and wife Hannah, MaKenzie, Trevor, Hagen, Brayden, Caliah, Ryon, Cyndi, Londyn, Brooke, Renley, Rory, and Ryder; and great-great-grandchildren, Neveah and Paisley.

She is also survived by her brother, Jerry Callahan and wife Shirley; sisters, Paula Beall and Betty Hayes; her special friend, Louis Faye Senn; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bobbie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Gene Kelley; her nephew, Roger Romans; and her siblings, Eloise Wykoff, Mable Barnett, Sharletta Romans, Billy Callahan, Joe Steve Callahan, and B.M. Callahan.

Visitation will be held Friday, October 16, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Fellowship Baptist Church, 389 Rice Rd., Kilgore, TX 75662. The funeral service will follow at 12:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Bobbie’s memory to Fellowship Baptist Church, 389 Rice Road Kilgore, Texas 75662.