Hettie M. Kelly, 88, of New Haven, entered eternal rest on May 16, 2023.

Ms. Kelly was born in Hopewell, VA on January 16, 1935, a daughter of the late Rev. Joseph James Rodgers, Sr. and the late Mary Harvey Rodgers.

Prior to her retirement, she was employed at Yale University as a Domestic Engineer. While employed at Yale University, she was a member of Local 34 and served as shop steward.

Ms. Kelly became a member of St. Matthew's U.F. W. B. Church in New Haven in 1965, where she served and worshipped faithfully.

She leaves to cherish loving memories, her children, Rev. Dr. Cynthia Diane Kelly, Rev. Dannie Kelly, Jr. (Minister Roberta Kelly), Rev. Barbara J. Kelly Moore (Sherman Moore); and Shirley A.L. Kelly Sweets; sisters, Marie P. Rodgers Robinson; Dr. Martha A. Rodgers James (Apostle Haywood Emerson James), Juanita O. Rodgers Thorne (Wallace Thorne, Sr.) and Naomi Rodgers Peden Blue; 16 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was predeceased by her brother, Dr. Joseph James Rodgers, Jr.

A celebration of Ms. Kelly's life and legacy will be held Friday, May 26, 2023, at 11:00 A.M. St. Matthew's UFWB Church, 400 Dixwell Ave., New Haven. A viewing and visitation will be held at the church from 10:00-11:00 A.M. The burial will be in Beaverdale Memorial Park.