Barbara Ann Naylor Kelley

Barbara Ann Kelley, née Naylor, a beloved mother, grandmother, devoted wife, and cherished friend, passed away unexpectedly on February 23, 2026, in San Marcos, California. Born on May 3, 1943, in Washington, DC, Barbara’s life was marked by a boundless kindness, unwavering curiosity, and a deep love for family and spiritual truth that touched all who knew her.

Barbara’s rich life journey began in the nation’s capital, where she was raised in a family steeped in the tradition of civil rights activism. Her grandmother, Esther Georgia Irving Cooper, was a pioneering leader who founded and presided over the Arlington, Virginia branch of the NAACP in the 1940s. Her aunt, Esther Cooper Jackson, made her mark as a founding editor of the influential journal Freedomways, while Barbara’s mother, Paulina Cooper Moss, was an engaged participant in the civil rights movement throughout Barbara’s childhood. This legacy of courage and commitment was a backdrop to her own life and informed the compassion and curiosity she carried forward.

Her academic pursuit at Howard University in Washington, DC, where she majored in writing, was a defining chapter not only in her career but in her personal life as well. It was there, as a college freshman, that she met Tony Kelley, her future husband and partner of 43 years. Together, Barbara and Tony shared a love of jazz—an affection nurtured by Tony’s father, a noted jazz band leader in Washington, DC. A devoted jazz enthusiast, she and Tony filled their home with the sounds of legends like Dave Brubeck, Miles Davis, Sarah Vaughn, Diana Krall, and so many more. Together, music brought them joy and connection. Music, art, and learning enriched Barbara’s life.

Barbara’s career as an executive assistant to the provost at Gallaudet University, the world-renowned institution for the deaf, was another remarkable facet of her life. With dedication and love, she learned American Sign Language, becoming fluent and bridging worlds through communication and understanding. Her commitment to education and inclusion echoed her family’s values and left a lasting impression on those around her.

Family was the cornerstone of Barbara’s heart. She cherished her children, Michael and Maria Felicia Kelley, and found tremendous pride and joy in her grandchildren—Lael, Ian, Avery, Nico, Constantine, and Colten. Her daughter Maria recalls the joy they shared like that of best friends and the thrill of flying adventures with son Michael after he earned his pilot’s license in his teens. Treasured moments like peeking through the hospital window late at night to get a first glimpse of their newborn grandson, Ian, will remain a beautiful snapshot of Barbara’s love and devotion. Even after losing Tony in 2005, Barbara’s life centered around the warmth and laughter of her family, finding her greatest happiness in the presence of her grandchildren, whom she lovingly regarded as her proudest accomplishment.

Barbara’s personality was characterized by an ever-present smile and an ability to make others feel valued and seen. Those who met her were drawn to her kindness, her genuine interest in friends old and new, and the quirky silliness that only her immediate family knew so well. Her long, thick hair was often admired during her adult years, symbolizing her strong and vibrant spirit, though in later years she embraced a shorter style with grace.

Her curiosity extended beyond family and career into a lifelong spiritual quest. From exploring various faiths as a child—ranging from Jewish summer camps to diverse churches—to finding peace in non-denominational communities such as Divine Science in Washington, DC, Unity of Phoenix, and the Seaside Center for Spiritual Living in California, Barbara’s faith was a source of strength and solace. Together with Tony, she nurtured a belief in a Universal Intelligence, instilling this spiritual awareness in their children and living with a commitment to deeper understanding and love.

Barbara was also a lover of knowledge and creativity. Museums of all kinds—the Smithsonian galleries in Washington, DC among them—were frequent family destinations, feeding her interest in art, history, and science. She adored books, especially nonfiction and biographies, and was a gifted writer and journaler, able to capture the essence of events with ease. Her talent for abstract doodling and art, including a memorable Mondrian-inspired piece, revealed a creative soul who expressed herself in myriad ways. In her younger years, the family’s collective passion for running brought them together along the Mount Vernon High School track and wooded paths, while sunny summers found them joyfully swimming and traveling across North America and beyond.

Barbara’s passing, following a struggle with Parkinson’s Disease, leaves a cherished legacy and a void in the hearts of those who loved her. She is survived by her children Michael Kelley and Maria Felicia Kelley, along with son-in-law Daniel Collins; her treasured grandchildren Lael and Avery Kelley (and their mother Nora), Ian, Nico, and Constantine Collins, Colten Kelley (and his mother Shelly); her siblings John, James, Robert, and Paul Moss; her cousins Harriet Scarupa, Kathy Jackson, Mark Scarupa, Aundrea Naylor, Ingrid Herndon, Rick Naylor, and Robert Naylor; and many nieces and nephews who will all carry her memory forward. She was preceded in death by her husband Tony Kelley; her infant son Anthony Kelley III; and her younger brother Kevin Naylor.

Barbara’s Celebration of Life has been scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 12:30 p.m., at the Seaside Center for Spiritual Living in Encinitas, California. Barbara enjoyed the spiritual vibrancy of Seaside Center and held Rev. Christian Sorensen, D.D. in highest regard. The family is grateful that Dr. Sorensen will guide Barbara's service. There, family, friends, and all whose lives she touched are invited to gather to honor the radiant spirit of a woman whose love, grace, and kindness will forever light their way. Barbara Ann Kelley’s journey was one of compassionate service, spirited exploration, and above all, profound love—a legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew her.