ALUMNI AND FRIENDS HONOR THE LEGACY OF MA KELLY

Eastern Kentucky University hosted “Lunch with Ma” in Case Dining Hall in October to celebrate Bessie “Ma’’ Kelly’s legacy. More than 60 alumni and friends attended, and in the spirit of Kelly’s generosity, every ticket purchased for the event paid for a student meal swipe.

The restaurant, Ma Kelly’s, was located on Third Street in Richmond and operated from the late ’60s to late ’90s. However, Kelly started by opening a restaurant in her home.

According to an article remembering Kelly in a 1997 issue of Eastern Progress, many people said they were only charged what they could afford for her quality home-cooked meals.

Alumni took the “Lunch with Ma” event as an opportunity to share memories of lunches at Ma’s, including packing into vehicles to get to the restaurant, sitting on any available surface to eat because the house was crowded and many more fond memories. One alumni summarized Kelly’s goodwill and influence by calling her the “Patron Saint of Richmond.”

Although Kelly passed away at 90 years old over two decades ago, her legend of generosity toward EKU students and the Richmond community is still remembered today. In her honor, the Bessie “Ma” Kelly Scholarship award was created at EKU.