of Jonesboro, AR
May 13, 1966 - February 23, 2024
In Loving Memory of Kelli Lynn Spradley
Kelli Lynn Spradley was born on Friday, May 13, 1966. She left this world Friday, February 23, 2024 at 11:57am, after a brave battle with stage 4 stomach cancer.
Kelli was a loving and devoted mother to her two boys and cherished her role as the loving partner of Tom Royals. She brought immense joy to the lives of her five grandchildren, who affectionately called her ''Glammy''.
Beyond her family, Kelli made a significant impact as an extraordinary gymnastics coach, mentor and role model. Her dedication and passion for the sport inspired countless athletes and her guidance helped shape their lives both on and off the mat. Kelli's commitment to her athletes went beyond the gym; she nurtured their talents and instilled in them confidence, discipline and resilience.
Throughout her battle with cancer, Kelli exhibited unwavering strength and determination. She fought with every ounce of energy, never allowing the disease to overshadow her spirit. Despite the challenges she faced, Kelli always wore a radiant smile and possessed a remarkable sense of humor that brought warmth and laughter to those around her.
In addition to her role as a mother and coach, Kelli was a dedicated employee of Varsity Spirit Group. Her commitment and hard work made a lasting impact on the organization, leaving a legacy of excellence and professionalism.
Kelli will be deeply missed by her father, Charles Spradley; loving partner, Tom Royals; sons, Jefferey Franklin Barnett Jr. ''JJ'' (Carrie) and Jarrett Tyler Barnett (Anna); grandchildren, Quinton, Taryn, Jules, Pippa and JoJo; great-grandchildren, Lola and Lyla; brother, Scott Spradley; sisters, Lori Smith, Carrie Spradley Brummett and Jodi Spradley and many friends, athletes and colleagues. Her memory will forever be cherished, and her legacy as a loving mother, devoted partner, exceptional gymnastic coach, shining star and role model will continue to inspire generations to come.
Kelli is preceded in death be her mother, Minnie Spradley.
May her soul find eternal peace.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, February 28, 2024 from 4:00pm-7:00pm at Roller-Farmers Union Funeral Home.
Arrangements are under the direction of Roller-Farmers Union Funeral Home.
I am so very sorry... my prayers go out to Kelli's family....
Sorry for your loss. She will be missed.
Prayers for the Spradley family and Kellis sons, grandchildren. May you take comfort in Jesus during this difficult time. Much love and prayers.
My memories of high school include her, her bright smile and large laugh. Wherever she was there was always laughter and fun. I had the blessings of reconnecting with her through social media and admired her strength and positivity she carried as she fought this horrible disease. Kelli was definitely an angel to those around her. Heaven received her with open arms I have no doubt. She will be missed by many and never forgotten.
Sending my deepest condolences to the Spradley family during this time of loss.
As a former classmate
& my member of the 1984 JHS graduating class, I will always remember her beautiful smile and laughter.
May she rest in peace...
Kelli was my sister in law when I was married to Scott..we had so many loving moments together and I truly have always loved her as my sister..I'm praying for all the family and her huge smile and love of life will be missed! Much love Tammi Harper
Prayers and condolences during this time. Kelli was my rep for many years! She was a special lady. I loved her energy and spirit.
Love & sympathy for your loss. Enjoyed the wonderful stories of Glammy and know that the memories will always be in your hearts. Hugs for this difficult time, gone but never forgotten
Heaven has gained a new Angel, so so sorry!
Kelli you were a beautiful, sweet, talented and dedicated gymnast of mine from the young age of 9. The time I spent with you training, traveling, laughing, loving, and competing, are some of my most treasured memories. I will never forget your first flight which was the only time I had seen fear in you. As you turned pale and then cried gripping the armrests of that airplane, I saw a genuine fear. As your coach, fear was just something you had ever shown me.You were simply a warrior from childhood until that last breath.
Your dedication and contribution to “Pieces of Eight”, the decorated competitive gymnastics team were huge. I cannot imagine the team of 8 without you. The talent and happiness you brought to all of us, will never be forgotten. Whenever I hear “A Fifth of Beethovan”, I see your sweet face along with your teammates. You girls had such a close love and bond. I especially happy we all have the memory of our reunion in 2012 at mine and Louis home in Florida to hold onto.
Outside of that group, many of your former teammates and coaches have reached out to me with concern during your struggle the last two years. You were so loved.
We can all take comfort knowing you were saved and exactly where you will spend eternity. After your final breath you were instantly no longer in misery, but whole again and in the arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
During the last two very challenging years, I pray you felt all of our love and support. The Lord has heard and will continue to hear from His people.
I will see you on the other side my friend.
We are all so sorry for your loss. Please accept our so sincere condolences to JJ and Carrie, and to Tyler and Anna, and their entire family and many friends. May you find peace in the love that your Mom gave to so many.
Rest in peace Kelli, I prayed for you often. No more pain. I remember you from Junior and Senior High. You were always bright and cheerful. And you were super helpful during cheer season with my girls. Your cheer time on earth is done, now you have a whole squad of Angels cheering you on!! You will be forever remembered!
Kellie always had a smile for everyone. The earth was better that she walked it.
Kelli instilled confidence, tenacity, and cheer to all who knew her- she was an amazing role model for my daughters - a beloved friend to me and I will miss her tremendously- she stood by her friends - was loving, kind, and supportive - fly high Kelli -you are so loved
Scott, I am so sorry for you and your family's loss of such a beautiful person. Please know she is in Heaven and watching over all of you.
I am heartbroken to hear this news. I worked with Kelli many years through Harding University cheer. We had such good times on her visits. She was always so fun and my girls thru the years loved her. Always so kind and helpful. We will miss her so much. My prayers are with you all during this time.
My condolences to all the family. We loved Kelli and will surely miss her. Hugs,love and prayers for you all.
Kelli eased me into my very first year coaching. She sat down with me and made me feel like I could do. She’s been by my side for the last 7 years and I could not have done it without her. I’m going to miss our sweet conversations and our yearly meetings! Rest in Peace sweet lady! RHS will miss you
Kelli-
You were a bright shining light for all of this state in many ways. I am so blessed to have known you and love you dearly! You will missed! Fly high, sweet lady!
My prayers to the family may Jesus comfort you
Kelli was an amazing person and obviously touched many lives in the very best way.
Sending love, thoughts, and prayers to you and your family during this tough time. We are deeply sorry for your loss.
David, Donna and family
I knew Kelli for years as my Varsity Rep when I was cheer sponsor at Bartlett High School. What a phenomenal woman!!! I loved her with all my heart, and I am so sad that she has passed! She woke up in the arms of Jesus in pain no more...
Rest and peace to your family.
I'm so very sorry for your family's loss. Rest in peace Kelli
Kelli was a friend of mine when I lived in Jonesboro. For three of those years, I served MacArthur Junior High as cheer coach, and Kelli called on me. She helped me outfit my two squads, and she helped with tryouts. She was always so full of energy and truly a lovely person. My prayers are with the family.
So sorry for your loss . Sending prayers to the family may you have comfort knowing she is no longer pain . She is dancing in the streets now gold . Fly high