A TIME TO WORK AND SERVE

Sam was employed by the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit Court Juvenile/Family Court Division. He worked thirty years in his career and retired in 2007. He was guided by a sense of responsibility and service. He was dedicated, leaving a lasting impact on those he worked beside.

A TIME FOR CHANGE

Sam was united in marriage to Vera Freeman in 2001. During this union, they both shared a love for the Kansas City Chiefs. He also reunited with his daughter, Latonya Clemings of Stockton, California. She and her husband, Henry, would give him three beautiful grandchildren, Parker, Aniston, and Henry, whom he loved and adored.

A TIME TO REMEMBER

Sam leaves us all a treasure of memories. He leaves behind his wife, Vera Freeman-Kelly; daughter, Latonya Clemings (Henry III); granddaughters, Parker and Aniston; and grandson, Henry (Quad); sister, Sandra Turner; and a host of brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends. Last but not least, his brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, “Que Psi Phi Till I Die”.

A TIME TO BE BORN

Sam was born on August 27, 1950, in Prichard, Alabama, with his twin brother, Emanual, who died at childbirth. He was from the union of the late Anna Kelly and Frank Kelly Sr. Sam had three siblings, Sandra Turner, Frank Kelly Jr., and Clifton Hall. He had a very strong relationship with his Godmother, the late Lenora Walker, who played a very intrical part in his life. His brothers, Frank and Clifton, preceded him in death.

A TIME TO BE BORN AGAIN

Sam’s spiritual life began at an early age. He was baptized at Cedar Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Prichard, Alabama. After moving to Kansas City, he would attend St. James United Methodist Church. He was strong in his faith and through it all he thanked God for his grace and mercy.

A TIME FOR GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

Sam graduated from Mattie T. Blunt High School in Prichard, Alabama, class of 1968. He attended and graduated from Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri, where he was a star athlete. He later joined the roster with the Dallas Cowboys for a brief period of time. He became a member of the brotherhood of Omega Psi Phi (Eta Sigma Chapter).

SERVICE INFORMATION

A funeral service will be held Friday, January 30, 2026, at Greater Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 4600 Cleveland Ave, Kansas City, MO. The visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., and the service will follow at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Brooking Cemetery.