Barbara Ann Kellam, beloved daughter of the late John Thomas Kellam and Earnestine Mae Ann Boggs Kellam, was born on April 12, 1954 in Nassawadox, Virginia. She departed this life to live in a building not made by man’s hands on Wednesday, April 20, 2023, surrounded by her loved ones at Shore Health and Rehab Center in Parksley, Virginia.
“Beddie,” as she was affectionately known, received her education in the Accomack County Public Schools and was a graduate of Onancock High School. She continued her education at the Eastern Shore Community College, where she earned a certificate in Criminal Justice and an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration, specializing in Information Systems Technology. She also earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University.
On September 24, 2009, Barbara married the love of her life, Preston “Buddy Pole” Kellam. Buddy made sure Beddie wanted for nothing and provided a home full of love, laughter, and companionship until his passing in 2019.
Barbara entered the workforce at the Experiment Station in Painter, Virginia for several years. In later years, she worked at Perdue Farms, but her love for education led her to another career. Barbara worked for the Accomack County Public Schools for twenty years before her health began to fail.
Beddie accepted Christ and began her walk with the Lord. Over the years, she attended various churches, but found her assignment under the leadership of Rev. Milton P. Bunting at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Wardtown, Virginia. There she served faithfully as a member of the leadership team, choir, and as the administrative assistant to the pastor. Barbara and Buddy traveled alongside their pastor as he spread the “good news” at various churches. She was extremely fond of her pastor and was considered his “other boss.”
Barbara enjoyed cooking for her sons and shopping online and in the stores, QVC was one of her favorites. In her leisure, she loved to watch Westerns, Andy Griffith, Monk, and Murder She Wrote, just to name a few. She also enjoyed reading a good book, a new Bible, or Bible study book.
In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Preston Kellam; two sisters, Teresa Kellam and Frances West-Porter; four brothers, Herbert Kellam, Clifton Wise, Thomas Lee Kellam, and George Kellam; two brothers-in-law, Thomas J. Parker and William J. Parker; and one sister-in-law, Cora Sample.
Barbara leaves to celebrate her life and love: five sons, Cory Kellam (Almeda) of Tasley, VA, Calvin Bunting, Jr. (Michelle) of TX, Devin Bunting (Bridgechelle) of Parksley, VA, Sharod Bunting (Tiffany) of Sumter, SC, and Kinte Reid (Sasha) of Exmore, VA; seventeen grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; three sisters, Sheryl Kellam of Parksley, VA, Doris Spicer of Salisbury, MD, and Patricia Kellam of Onancock, VA; god sister, Odessa Wessells of Greenbush, VA; special friend that was like a sister, Thelma Dickerson; special and dedicated caregivers, Tamika Lilliston and Tara Harmon, who was a dear friend that was there for Barbara from the beginning until the end; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.
Lovingly submitted,
The Family