Tarzana Irene Kelly

In Loving Memory of Tarzana Irene Kelly

Tarzana Irene Kelly, lovingly known as “Tye,” a beloved resident of Wilmington, Delaware, passed away on September 3, 2026. She was born on August 17, 1952, in Baltimore, Maryland, to the late Florence Hayward Nixon and Paul Russell Kelly.

Tarzana was the second of five children. She received most of her formal education in the public schools of Somerset County, Maryland, and attended Washington High School. Throughout her life, Tye was truly a “Jack of all trades. “She had interests and talents in nursing, photographer, banking, and many other areas. Her caring nature and willingness to help others were among the qualities that made her so special. In her final days, Tye spent precious time caring for and being with her daughter. Family was deeply important to her, and she treasured the love and memories shared with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, and friends.

Tye was born into the United House of Prayer for All People in Salisbury, Maryland, and later continued her faith and service in New Castle, Delaware. Her love for God and the Bible remained an important part of her life. She served diligently in the church choir, including the Jubilee Mast, and faithfully served on the Usher Board for 15 years. She also served on the Queen Board until her move from Maryland back to Delaware.

Tye was married to the late (James Gibson.) She was blessed with her late son, Terrance Singler Sr. She later met William Flamer, and together they were blessed with two daughters, Thessallie Kelly and Theda Kelly.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her Aunt; Myrtle Hayward; her daughters, Thessallie Kelly and Theda Kelly; StepDaughter; Latisha Brown; her grandchildren, Terrance Singler Jr., Tayasiaday Kelly (Marshall Demby Jr.), and Xadir Kelly; her great-grandchildren, Ta Miya Flamer and Wynter Kelly-Shipley; her siblings, Moses A. Nixon Jr., Timothy V. Nixon, and Troy Booker Nixon; and Her Great-Nephew Tivon Woolford a host of loving relatives, church family, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Florence Hayward Nixon and Paul Russell Kelly; her husband, James Gibson; her son, Terrance Singler Sr.; and her sister, Theresa A. Smith.

Among those who held a special place in her life were Sharon Laster, (her Boo) George Brown; Linda Taylor, Claudia Wigfall Hayward, Judy Gillian White (Deceased), and Deborah Medford, (Deceased) along with many others.

Tye was known for her friendly, joyful, and happy spirit. She did not allow life's challenges to keep her down. She carried strength within her and continued to find reasons to smile. During one difficult time, her niece Tina Woolford was there to help lift her spirits, a kindness Tye remembered with love.

She enjoyed spending time on her tablet and especially loved playing cards with her “Golden Girls.” Spades, Pinochle, Tunk, and other card games brought her laughter, companionship, and wonderful memories with the people she loved.

Above all, Tye loved her family, her church, the Bible, and the people who surrounded her. Her life was filled with faith, service, laughter, love, and countless memories that will remain in the hearts of those who knew her.

Though she is no longer with us in person, her friendly spirit, beautiful smile, love for her family, and joyful memories will live on through her children, grandchildren, great- grandchildren, family, friends, and church family.

Rest peacefully, Tye. Your work here is done, but your love and memories will live on forever.