Pauline "Polly" Ellis Cochran Kelley

Pauline “Polly” Ellis Cochran Kelley, 97, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2025, at her home in Bryan, Texas.

Polly was born on April 29, 1927, in Jasper, Texas, to the Reverend and Mrs. Louis M. Ellis. She graduated from Brookeland High School in 1944 and went on to complete her studies at Pineywood Business College of Lufkin, Texas, in 1945. In 1946, she married local Jasper businessman, William R. Cochran, Jr., and together they welcomed a son, Raymond Louis Cochran, on March 13, 1947.

Polly’s professional journey began with her work at an upscale ready-to-wear shop, where her career flourished. She later attended the Durham College of Business Management in Beaumont, Texas, and returned to the shop, where she was promoted to Clothing Buyer and Manager. After the death of her first husband in 1959, Polly continued to care for her family and made a significant career move to Bryan in 1962. She met and married her second husband Clifford Kelley in 1967. She worked as a Clothing Buyer and Department Manager at Lester’s for 27 years before retiring in 1989. After retirement, Polly joined her husband, Clifford Kelley, in driving and delivering vehicles for various Bryan dealerships for over 20 years.

Polly was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church of Bryan for more than 60 years. She found great joy in her participation in the Eunice Sunday School Class and Bible Study. Her service to the community included leadership as the Past President of the Eta Zeta Chapter of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, as well as memberships in the Bryan Business and Professional Women’s Club and volunteering with the St. Joseph Hospital Pink Ladies Auxiliary and Brazos Valley Hospice.

Polly had a love for cooking, sewing, quilting, and spending time with her family. Her pride in maintaining a “neat and tidy” home and her willingness to serve others were hallmarks of her life.

Polly was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Louis M. Ellis and Mrs. Delores Frisby Ellis; her first husband, William R. Cochran, Jr.; her second husband, Clifford Kelley; her son, Raymond Louis Cochran; her daughter-in-law, Bessie Reynolds Cochran; her sister, Dorothy Dunn; and her brothers, Douglas Ellis, Louis Ellis, William Ellis, and Jack Ellis.

She is survived by her two granddaughters, Candy Gallego and husband James, and Becky Gelacio and husband Jesus; five great-grandchildren, Austin Gallego and wife Audrey, Kaleigh Gallego, Cristian Gelacio, and twins Lexi and Devin Gelacio, two great-great-granddaughters, Madison Gallego and Lyla Gallego; and one step son Scott Kelley.

A funeral service to celebrate Polly’s life will be held on Friday, April 11, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Callaway-Jones Funeral and Cremation Center, 3001 S. College Avenue, Bryan, Texas, followed by burial at Restever Memorial Park Cemetery.

Polly’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to those who have shown love and support during this difficult time. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.