Vernell Kelley

Vernell Kelley passed away on April 21st, 2025, at the age of 89. She was born Vernell Mary Zenkner on February 20th, 1936 on the Zenker homestead in Willow Springs, Texas to Arno Zenkner and Rowena (Lincke) Zenkner.

Vernell went to Willow Springs School as a child, and later attended Fayetteville ISD. She worked on her family’s farm until she met and married her husband, Howard George Kelley at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Shelby, Texas on March 20th, 1960. For two years they worked on a ranch in Sealy, Texas before moving to Brenham. There, she worked at the Brenham Nursing Home for 40 years. Howard and Vernell had two sons: Darrell Wayne Kelley in 1965, and Chris Ella Kelley in 1972. In 1983, Vernell joined James “Pepper” Vaydak in a common-law partnership. Vernell loved many things. She was a talented seamstress, a fantastic cook, and always had a garden growing, no matter where she lived. She loved putting together puzzles, looking after her cats, and her grandchildren.

Vernell was preceded in death by her husband: Howard Kelley; her parents: father Arno Charles Zenkner, and mother Rowena Helen (Lincke) Zenkner; Sisters: Lorine “Sissie” Logan and Alvira Zenkner; Brothers: Alton “Mutzie” Zenkner and Melvin Zenkner; Common-law partner: James “Pepper” Vaydak; Step-son: Troy Kelley; and Brother-in-law: James Zapalac.

Vernell is survived by her sons: Darrell and Esther Kelley of Round Top, and Chris Kelley of Brenham; her sister: Laverne “Puddy” Zapalac of Willow Springs; her grandchildren: Emily Kelley, Dana Kelley, Chris Kelley Jr., Dalaney Kelley, and McKenney Kelley; Her great-grandchildren: Raelene, Zaiyden, Elliana, Mateo, Jase, Ariella, and Ana’Sophia; many nieces and nephews; and all of her friends at Park Manor Rehab and Nursing Home of Weimar.

A Celebration of Life for Vernell will be held at a later date.