Codella Kay Kelley was born in Northampton County on June 8,1964, to the blessed union of Colvon and Della Kelley.  She was a long-awaited miracle, they prayed for, like the Biblical story of Sara and Abraham.

Kay, as she was affectionately called by her family, attended and graduated from the public schools of Northampton County.  After high school, she started her career working in the food service department at Northampton-Accomac Memorial Hospital.  She later became a Certified Nursing Assistant with Parksley Rehabilitation Center and Heritage Hall Nursing Facility.  She later worked as a cashier at Shore Stop.  Kay's life was shaped by the selfless commitment she shared in helping family, friends, and anyone she met.  She was married to Clifton Townsend.

Kay enjoyed traveling, dining out, and shopping.  She was a fashionista; always looking fine whenever she stepped out.  A few of her friends, Sandra Johnson, Tammy Sample, Hope Young, Celestine Daggins, Janice Cypress, and Susan Sample, were always there to enjoy good times with her.  She had a genuine heart that  loved and cared for people even when others were not always kind to her.

Sunday, October 20, 2024, God saw Kay's pain and called her home to rest from her labor.  Her beautiful smile, gentle spirit, and loving heart will truly be missed by her family and dear friends.

Kay leaves loving memories with her sister, Carolyn Carr, New York; two aunts; Sarah Walker, Exmore, VA and Carolyn Walker, Connecticut; two nephews, Elwood and Kashief Carr, New York, a host of family members, many friends, and special friends, Percell, Wyndell, Larry, Dana, Harold, Valerie, Gloria, and Michael.