Consuella "Connie" Whysnetta (Herndon) O'Kelly

Our beloved Consuella (Connie) Whysnetta Herndon O’Kelly has gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.

Connie was educated in the Gaston County Schools in Gastonia, North Carolina and graduated from Ashbrook High School. She attended Livingstone College and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. As an undergraduate, Connie became a member of the Beta Kappa Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Her work ethnic was unsurpassed with much hard work and multiple jobs simultaneously. Connie spent the majority of her career working as a teacher assistant and school bus driver. She was a strong advocate for children, and taught them at a level that made learning fun. As a young child, Connie took ballerina lessons and developed a love for dancing. She was an enthusiastic sports fan of basketball, track, and football. As a loving and caring mother and wife, the mention of her family liking an item, was enough for her to gift them. Her radiant smile and laughter will always be remembered.

Connie was a devoted member of Jerusalem Baptist Church where she served on the Choir, Praise Team Dancers, Kitchen Committee, Golf Tournament Scholarship Committee, Pastor Aide, and Youth Department. She spent time working in community roles such as Vice President of the North Rowan Athletic Booster Club, Precinct Official (Poll Worker) for the Board of Elections in East Spencer, and volunteer with the Rowan Deacon Alliance.

She is preceded in death by her parents, John Albert Herndon and Minnie Vene Jackson.

Those left to cherish her precious memory include her faithful and loving husband of 29 years, Thomas Lee (T.O.) O’Kelly; her endearing son, Thomas Kemon O’Kelly, her sister, Beverly (Carl) Rhodes, Gastonia; her brother, Warren Glover, Gastonia; Sister-in-law, Tessa Y. (William) Jackson, Salisbury; nieces, and Tahkeeya Rhodes, Brandy Glover of Gastonia, nephew; Terrell Rhodes of Battlefield, Michigan, along with several great nieces and nephews; godchildren, Katrina Abel, Titus Jones, and Malaysia Lilly; and a host of friends and students who were blessed by her presence in their life.   

Service: Tuesday, December 30, 2025-Jerusalem Baptist Church- Visitation: 12:30 p.m. Funeral begins promptly at 1:00 p.m. Rev. Dr. David L. Bracken, pastor/eulogist.

Public viewing will be held on, Monday, December 29, 2025 at the funeral home from 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.

Hairston Funeral Home, Inc., is serving the family with sincere care and compassion.  Online condolences may be sent to: hairstonfh.com.

Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers.

FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS MAY BE SENT ON, MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2025 FROM 10:00 A.M. UNTIL 5:00 P.M.

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