Lorena G. O'Kelley, age 89, died unexpectedly Monday April 16, 2012 at Memorial Mission Hospital. A native of Transylvania County She was born to the late Oliver and Julia "Julie Galloway". In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Van O'Kelley, two sisters Louise Dishman and Altha Jean Galloway, and three brothers Glenn Galloway, William "Sonny" Galloway and Newman Galloway. Mrs. O'Kelley was employed by Ecusta Paper Corporation in the early 1940's often working around the clock during WWII. When Olin Film Division opened she transferred there where she was an inspector and floater in several areas. She wanted to be a nurse until interrupted by WWII and motherhood, so she received her Nurse's Aide pin through the American Red Cross and was a volunteer at Transylvania Regional Hospital for many years and for anyone who needed her in the family or community. She received recognition from the American Red Cross for 40 years of volunteer service and became a knowledgeable "Caregiver" after she retired. She faithfully cared for her husband Van who had lifelong illnesses following WWII until his death. She was a member of Turkey Creek Baptist Church which was the center and "family" in her life. She taught Sunday School into her 80's, loved singing in the choir, taught the youth group and then the older women's class and was involved in all activities. Lorena was always a "Determined Do-er"… growing a garden, canning and freezing, having yard sales, cleaning, working at shops always giving her all. She learned to drive in her mid-30's and bought her own car. When she had a goal she would achieve it. She loved everyone and was loved in return. In the past five years she had many "boyfriends" as well. She became younger with her Alzheimer's and enjoyed the attention and the dancing. She will be missed by all who knew her. It was a "long goodbye"… Survivors include her daughter Patricia "Patti" Bunch whom she lived with in Asheville and most recently was living at Aston Park Health Care Center. She was a loving grandmother to five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild, two sisters; Lois Funderburke of Easley S.C. and Marie Cameron of Sharon P.A., one brother; Raymond Galloway of Brevard, several nieces, nephews, cousins and loving friends. A Casual Gathering of Remembrance and Sharing of Memories in Celebration of her life, and dedication to others will be held Saturday April 28, 2012 at 2:00pm in her beloved Turkey Creek Baptist Church conducted by Rev. Tommy Owen. Interment will follow at Blue Ridge Garden of Memories. Memorial Contributions any be made in her honor to: Turkey Creek Baptist Church, 39 Capps Road, Pisgah Forest NC 28768, Care Partners Adult Day Services, 68 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville NC 28801, Memory Care, 100 Far Horizons Lane, Asheville NC 28801, Alzheimer's Association, 3800 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte NC 28215 and Aston Park Health Care Center, 380 Brevard Road, Asheville NC 28806. We also thank the doctors and nursing staff at Memorial Mission Hospital for their excellent care and Caring. On-line condolences may be left at www.moodyconnollyfuneralhome.com