Obituary of Ola Belle Kelley Walker

COLUMBIA: Ola Belle (Kelley) Walker, 87, of Columbia, passed away Sunday, June 8, 2014 at Palmetto Health Baptist. Born July 25, 1926 in Eastover, SC she was a daughter of the late Hampton T. and Ola (Medlin) Kelley. Mrs. Walker was a graduate of Lower Richland High School and a retiree of the SC Department of Transportation. However, soon after retirement she decided retirement wasn't for her. She went to work for the Carolina Children's Home as well as worked in retail until her beloved grandson, Ashby, was born. Although active in the past with her church, for more than ten years she worked at Eastminster Day School and it soon became known as her "second home." Appreciated by the staff and parents, the highlights of her days were the children. The most endearing times for her were when the children would call her name and go running to her to share hugs. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of more than 23 years, Herbert Carlisle Walker; and brothers, Leroy and H.T. Kelley. She is survived by her daughter, Janice W. Simmons (George, Jr.); grandson, Ashby Carlisle Simmons, of San Antonio, TX; brother, Alvin E. Kelley (Nancy), of Columbia; sister, Mary Frances Barnhart, of Randleman, NC; along with several nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held at 3:00 P.M., on Thursday, June 12, 2014 at Thompson Funeral Home at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 845 Leesburg Road, Columbia SC, 29209. Interment will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 3:00 P.M., the day of the service at the funeral home. Honorary Pallbearers will be the staff and parents of Eastminster Day School. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Eastminster Day School, 3200 Trenholm Road, Columbia, SC 29204. Friends and relatives may view this obituary at www.thompsonsfuneral.com