Delena Maria (Carson) Kelley, 61, of Kissimmee, Fla., formerly of Du Quoin, passed away at 2 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2011, at her home in Kissimmee, Fla.
Delena was born Oct. 2, 1950, the daughter of Olyn and Marie (Howerton) Carson.
She married Frank Kelley, son of Bill and Kathleen "Tootie" Kelley of Du Quoin, on Aug. 25, 1971, in Pinckneyville. Surviving is one daughter, Carrie (Kelley) Kufta of West Palm Beach, Fla. She is also survived by her mother, Marie Carson of Benton; her brother, David Carson of Macon; sister, Doreine Carson Beck of Chicago; and mother-in-law, Kathleen "Tootie" Kelley of Du Quoin.
She was preceded in death by her father; father-in-law; and sister-in-law, Mary Lou (Kelley) Foutch.
Excelling at public speaking and drama, she graduated from Du Quoin Township High School in 1968 before obtaining a degree in education from Eastern Illinois University in 1971. She found herself in a very successful sales career, alongside her husband, working for Mid Atlantic Network in Pennsylvania and Virginia. As the director of sales for multiple radio stations, she grew a sales department that would rival a major market radio station. Along the way, she influenced the lives of many. She coached and counseled her staff. They were her extended family and she their surrogate mom. Frank and Delena retired to Orlando, Fla., in the early 2000s. Dabbling in a few small projects to keep busy, she always came back to coaching and sales training.
Many people knew Delena when she was young and while she grew up in Illinois. Others knew her during her professional life. Delena was a daughter, a sister, a wife, a mother, an aunt, a mentor and a friend. Delena is buried at Sunset Memorial Park at Du Quoin.