Kelo is gone. I can’t wrap my head around that fact. With her long weaves, gentle hazel eyes, and golden front teeth, Kelo danced with a mop and sang while she worked. She would greet you in the hallway with a genuine kindness that made you want to stop and talk.
“How’s that grand baby?” she’d ask me often because she knew I had a new grandson.
Kelo was so much more than a custodian at our school. Last year when I first started coming to the school to teach gifted, she knew my name well before I knew hers. She was pregnant with her 4th son, and my daughter was having her first, so we always had things to talk about. She’d encourage me with, “Girl, that baby’s coming soon!” We’d share photos and anecdotes. She was a friend.
I don’t understand how one day you’re here and the next, you’re gone. So much can change in an instant. Taken too soon by an innocent ATV accident, Kelo’s death has left a hollowness in the halls. My heart is heavy.
Kelo makes me want to be better about caring for others, to show genuine kindness as she did, and to sing like no one is listening, except Kelo from above.
Reflections on the Teche 
I’m so very sorry for your loss, Margaret.
Thanks for that beautiful story Ms. Simon. She touched everyone that knew her. The hallways at Coteau will never be the same. I miss her so much already. “Hey Maw” or “Hey friend” she would always say! I think we can all say we were lucky to know her. Rest easy Kilo! I know you are dancing up there! Till we meet again!
So sorry for everyone’s loss. She seemed like a person that was loved by a lot people . Prayers for everyone.
Oh, what a post. I’m so sorry this mother of four is gone…just so wrong. Prayers for her boys, her family and her friends that are missing her.
oh so sad! What a nice tribute to her and so for your loss and her families loss.
Sending healing thoughts!
I’m so sorry to hear about this tragedy, Margaret. Sending you hugs.
So sorry for the loss of Kelo…I too wonder how someone can be here one day and gone the next. This piece is a lovely tribute.
I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of Kelo. Thinking of you and your staff.
Oh, Margaret! I am sorry for this loss. You paint a picture of a vibrant person, the kind of person we so need and want in our schools and our lives. Thank you for sharing a bit of her here today.
She made the school a warm and welcoming place to be.
Beautifully written, her kindness is exactly what we want everyone to know and remember about her. Thank you Ms. Margaret for writing such a lovely tribute to our beloved Kelo.
Robert & Amy Alexis
Such a beautiful tribute to a beautiful person. Thank you for sharing them with us. My heart misses her so much already.
Beautfiful
This is very sweet of you she was an amazing person and it gives me so much peace to know that we told each other I love you on that night thanks again for your kind words my family appreciate all the love….
She was a beautiful person so nice I worked at Jeanerette Mills with her she was always the same😥
I knew kenusha since 2002 her an her son tae when I realized it was her my heart felt it. She was always a hard worker and a good mother.
Wow this is beautifully said kelo you will be missed hunnie😇🙌🏽🙌🏽
It is difficult to have someone you are close with no longer with you, Margaret. This year has been filled with deaths of several close friends. I turn a corner thinking that they are near knowing that they are not. Life is fragile and uncertain. Kelo will be remembered in your school for her genuine spirit of friendship. Thank you for sharing your tribute and your grief.
Beautiful. She touched so many people with that beautiful smile. Thank you God for her spirit
Prayers goes out her entire family.
Oh, Margaret, this is so sad. Those poor little boys. You’ve written such a beautiful tribute here, and I’m sure it will be treasured by those who knew and loved Kelo. Thinking of all of you…
A beautiful tribute, Margaret. This kind of loss is incomprehensible.
You will be missed sweetheart but not forgotten with your pretty I was like Mine my prayers go out to the family you guys have a condolence
Kelo was a sweet person.always was kind and willing to help.her sons went to school where i work and often times when she came she would stop by abd we would talk and laugh.she had such a sweet spirit she will be missed.
She was such a beautiful loving person I remember when we first became friends and through the 15 years of friendship I miss my friend I just talked her
So beautifully written.. rest peacefully
I’m so sorry! Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com
Thanks mom.My heart goes out to her family and friends.My mother is the best.And more than sure she was a great mom also.Rest in Paradise
I live in Texas never knew Kelo existed until I read the article regarding this tragic accident. I searched for more information about her and the posts from family, coworkers, and friends informed me of how amazing Kelo was. I mourn with each of them and after reading this tribute I love Kelo. I encourage you all to thank God for Kelo and continue to do unto others as she did.