In Loving Memory of Barbara Jean LaPland (née Kelley)
1946 – 2025
Barbara Jean—beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and cherished friend—took her final journey on July 24, 2025, into the arms of her Savior whom she loved with all her heart, mind, and strength. She was 78 years young in spirit, and her joy never aged.
Born in Connorsville, Indiana in 1946 to Herbert and Geraldine Kelley (née Nicolay), Barbara was raised in the sunshine of Florida, where her roots and her love for gardening began to grow. Her life was a vibrant bouquet of bold choices, heartfelt laughter, and endless stories.
Barbara never did anything halfway. She had one speed—fast—and one volume—joyful. She was a whirlwind of warmth who never met a stranger and never missed a chance to share a hug. To know her was to be welcomed into her world with open arms, clapping hands, and a ready smile.
She was the proud and loving mother of Cory (Amy) Flanders of Palm Coast, FL and Stacia (David) Willier of Crossville, TN. Her siblings, Sue (Hank) Edelson of Canton, GA and Jim (Dawn) Kelley of Orlando, FL, will remember her as both their cheerleader and comic relief. She also leaves behind a beloved brood of grandchildren, great-grandchildren (who all knew her affectionately as “Grandmommy”), as well as nieces, nephews, and countless friends who became family.
Barbara loved many things: worshipping the Lord, gardening, traveling, doting on family members, and her long line of cats—all affectionately named “Woody.” She traveled the world after college, lived large despite her petite stature, and even held the proud title of truck driver—just to prove she could. In fact, if you ever told Barbara she couldn’t do something, she’d smile sweetly, and then go do exactly that—twice.
She once had a pet monkey named George. She also once wrestled an alligator (not a metaphor). She was a hat-wearing, plant-growing, fast-walking, hand clapping, love-spreader who lived life big, gave generously, and left behind a legacy of laughter, love, and a little bit of mischief.
Family and friends are warmly invited to celebrate Barbara’s remarkable life on Saturday, August 2nd at 10:00 AM at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, followed by a graveside service at the family cemetery and a luncheon back at the church. In honor of Barbara’s love of gardening, you are welcome to bring a potted plant or flowers to be planted at her gravesite. And since no outfit was complete for her without a hat, please wear one to the graveside service—bonus points if it’s fabulous.
Barbara Jean LaPland showed us all how to live with joy, love without limits, and face every day with a hat on your head and a smile in your heart. She will be dearly missed and joyfully remembered.
“Let all that you do be done in love.” – 1 Corinthians 16:14