Barbara Glendine Kellam, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend, passed away on Monday, February 13, 2023, at the age of 74.
Barbara lived life fully and was anything but conventional. In 1966 she married the love of her life and favorite dance partner, Earl Kellam Jr. and they began their journey across oceans and continents as Earl began his career in the United States Navy. Always a supportive wife, she was ready to follow wherever he was sent, which included: Panama, Bermuda, Washington DC, Norfolk, VA, Panama, Italy, Spain, Huntsville, AL and finally to Daphne, AL, where they retired.
Barbara was known for being a great host and cook (So much so that she published a cookbook with a collection of favorite recipes). Her love for cooking and cake decorating also allowed her the joy of teaching others and eventually led her to starting a catering business.
Barbara was also passionate about serving. Always active in supporting other American families abroad, she opened recreational centers, orchestrated family events, and served in Sunday school. One of her most rewarding roles was as Ombudsman, the liaison between the families of the USS Orion and government officials.
Another love of Barbara and Earl’s was ballroom dancing. As they danced in cities and countries all over the world, they performed at the grand opening for the Battle House in Mobile, AL; at the 75th Anniversary for Bellingrath Gardens; at the opening movie premiere for “Pacific” in Mobile; on cruise ships, at fundraising galas and anywhere else they could find a dance floor. Barbara served as the President of Azalea Ballroom in Mobile for four years and she and Earl brought ballroom dancing to Daphne, AL, which continues today.
Barbara was immensely compassionate. Throughout her cancer treatment, she continued to show love and encouragement to others who were going through the same battle. Her life had impact and made a difference in the lives of those around her. She showed love, was loved, and will truly be missed.
Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, Arthur Lankford and Willie Lankford. She is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Earl Kellam, Jr.; two children, Earl Kellam, III (Amy) of Fairhope, AL, and Kimberli Hart (Marshall) of Nashville, TN; eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; her sister, Ouida Craft (Joseph); mother-in-law, Frances Kellam; and many, many wonderful friends both near and far.
A service to celebrate her life will be held Saturday, February 25, 2023 at Hughes Funeral Home, 26209 Pollard Road in Daphne, AL, at 1:00 PM. The family will receive friends at 11:00 AM prior to the service. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to Hope Lodge in Houston, TX, a place that was very dear to her heart: https://raiseyourway.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=cms.page&id=1051
Expressions of condolence for the family may be made at www.hughesfh.com. Hughes Funeral Home, 26209 Pollard Road, Daphne, AL, is assisting the family.
So very sorry to hear about Barbara’s passing from this life. My prayers are with Earl, their family and friend’s.
Earl, I am so sorry for your loss. There are no words to ease your pain right now, but please know that Gary and I are praying for you. Barbara was such a wonderful lady and I am so happy that God brought both of you into my life. Barbara will forever be missed.
I know it’s only been a couple days and I saw her earlier the day she died. I miss her terribly..Barbara was a true dear friend. One that you have foe life. She will always be in my heart. Love you Barbara
Earl, I am so sorry to hear about Barbara. I pray she and Fred and Connie found each other and have been reunited in heaven. Continued prayers for God’s comfort for you and your family.
We met at Hope Lodge,, there was so much Hope between us all. Barbara was a lovely lady, with Earl, a supportive and loving husband , We are better for knowing you both and pray for peace in your hearts. We are still in the battle and are sadden to see one of us move on.
Our family lost much more than a next door neighbor and friend. She was a bonus grandmother to our children as they grew up. If any little one was missing, our first call was to Earl and Barbara. More often than not our children were enjoying a treat or using the Kellam back patio as a dance floor or performance stage. Even our cat, Aubie, preferred spending time with Barbara. We will be forever thankful that she opened her home and her heart to us. She is family and we will never forget her.
Mr. Earl my heart is breaking right now. Words cannot express how much y’all meant to me. We all made a new found family at the Hope lodge. I’m glad I was able to celebrate y’all’s anniversary and her birthday. Her and Mrs. Connie and Mr. Fred are looking down on us and probably playing a little bit of bingo too. Y’all are forever in my heart.
Earl — Linda and I are so sorry for your loss. Barbara was really a ‘Southern Lady’. In our few times together with y’all we learned about ‘fried pickles’ and she about canasta and a little wine. She never made an unkind judgment of our being from ‘North of the “10”’. It’s our loss that we never got to take that cruise together. It was so very interesting to listen when she spoke of your many postings in the Navy and how she became involved with the ‘locals’ wherever she was. You had an angel for 56 years and God needed one more. Love you both – Linda and Jim.
This is such a heartbreaking loss for many , but a beautiful victory for heaven. May the healing of wonderful memories be carried on. My love goes out to you all.
From the Beveridge family.
Dear Earl and families, I am so sorry for your loss. Barbara was a special lady and put up a good fight. You are in my thoughts and prayers, and I send you all my love. In the meanwhile take care of yourselves and continue to gather up your strenght.