WALTER LEE KELLIEHAN

Walter Lee Kelliehan, Sr. was the second child of three born from the union of Isaac Williams
Kelliehan and Mozella Cooks Kelliehan. Siblings, Isaac W. Kelliehan, Jr. and Bernard Kelliehan
grew up with Walter in this loving household. Later, Isaac W. Kelliehan, Sr. remarried and had
more children: Carol Orange, Louise Rawlings, and Melvin Kelliehan.
Walter graduated from Cuyler Beach High School and attended Georgia State College. In 1943,
Walter left college to join the United States Navy, Seabee's. After serving three years to this
country, Walter left the Navy seeking a more rewarding career. In 1950, he married the love of
his life, Annie Elizabeth Timmons Kelliehan, and they raised 10 children together. As Walter
and Annie raised 10 children of their own, they always ensured that their doors were open to
others in need of a place to sleep or call home.
 
Around 1962, Walter moved his family, Annie, seven children, two nephews and a niece from
Savannah, Georgia to New York City. After living in Manhattan for less than a year and having
gainful employment with the U.S. Postal Service, Walter decided he did not want to raise his
children in the city. Once again, he packed up his family and moved to Staten Island, NY. There,
Walter and Annie purchased their home in a quaint community with content in their hearts.
 
Walter and Annie were both raised with God fearing parents and made sure to pass their
teachings onto their own children. The family joined Bethlehem Methodist Church of Staten
Island, NY. Giving his children the Christian Life, he kept them in church: Monday, Tuesday,
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday.
 
In 1974, Walter moved to Gary, Indiana where another child was born: Deidra Kelliehan. Walter
and Annie Joined New Mount Sinai Baptist Church of Gary, IN and remained there until the
Lord called his beloved Annie, “Handful,” home in 1994.
In 2009, Walter joined his daughter, Mozella Brown, in San Diego, CA. His daughter, Janice L.
Kelliehan, of Bronx, NY graciously accompanied Walter to San Diego to support and care for
him until the Lord called her home.
 
Walter did not miss the cold, snowy days of Indiana while enjoying the warm, sunny days of San
Diego. Having the Love of God and obeying God’s word, Walter joined Bethel Baptist Church
shortly after arriving to San Diego and later learned he shared a special day with the leader of the
flock, Dr. John W. Ringgold. Walter spent his days at the seniors’ Neighborhood House during
the week where he has met many wonderful seniors. He enjoyed field trips with Neighborhood
House and Seniors on the Go. Walter’s close friend of nine years, Lilly Washington, introduced
Walter to cruising until their final cruise in 2023. Unfortunately, Walter’s health began to fail
and he could no longer travel.
 
Walter was proceeded in death by his wife of 42 years, Annie E. Kelliehan, son James A.
Kelliehan, and daughter Janice L. Kelliehan-Cooley. He was survived by his remaining children:
Mozella Brown of San Diego, CA; Walter L. Kelliehan (and wife, Neuza) of North Carolina;
Evonne Thomas of New York, NY; Deidra Simington of Alabama; David Kelliehan, Deborah
Young, Ronnie G. Kelliehan (and wife, Sharron), Stacy C. Alford, Patricia Brady, all of Gary,
IN; and Donna Smith of Arizona. Walter Lee Kelliehan lineage is strong and extends beyond
100+ grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, family and friends…

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