Mrs. Luverne (Kelly) Whetstone

Luverne Kelly was the fifth of six children born to the parentage of Cora Lee Marbury Kelly and Johnny Kelly on September 1, 1920.  She lived her early years of life in the Keno Community, now known as Kellyton, Alabama.  Her family worshipped at the Kellyton Chapel United Methodist Church, where Luverne remained a faithful member.

Luverne united into holy matrimony with Coley Whetstone, Sr., and they were the parents of six children:  Ruthie Lee, Margie Nell, Coley, Jr., Clyde, Regina, and Jather Wayne.

Luverne was a homemaker and an active member of her church.  She served as President of the Senior Choir, Sunday School teacher, and a member of the United Methodist Women.  When she could no longer attend church services due to her health, she was still concerned about her church! Her grandchildren referenced her as “Grandmomma”, but the birth of great-grandchildren created the name of “Granny Lu”.  A soft-spoken, always classy woman of few words, Granny Lu knew how to capture the attention of her audience.  Her light-hearted wit was comforting, even when her words were of correction.  She was slow to speak and anger, and she always knew that “the good Lord would make a way.”  The life she lived was not an easy one, but Granny Lu never showed it. 

In addition to being preceded in death by her parents, Granny Lu was also preceded in death by her husband, Coley Whetstone, Sr., her daughter, Margie Nell Whetstone Hall, her son, Coley Whetstone, Jr., two grandsons:  Christopher Raynard Hall and Clyde Sherra Whetstone, and her siblings:  Laura Kelly Ellington, Marie Kelly Burton, Jather Wayne Kelly, Sr., Robert J. Kelly, and Sadie B. Kelly Jackson.

On Wednesday, March 16th, Granny Lu was reunited with all of her loved ones.

Those who now carry her light are:  two daughters:  Ruthie Lee Brooks of Brooklyn, NY and Regina Leonard of Goodwater, AL; two sons:  Clyde (Debra) Whetstone of Goodwater, AL and Jather Wayne Whetstone, Sr of Goodwater, AL; 19 grandchildren, 42 great grandchildren, 8 great-great grandchildren, special caregivers:  Vickie (Willie) Smith, Wendi (Bob) Alexander, Sherlene (Otis) Leonard, Erica Smith, and Cherando Hernandez.  She also leaves to carry her light a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

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