Henry Kelsey Van Every III, of Hernando, Miss., passed into eternity early Monday morning, August 11, 2025. He was 78.
Kelsey was born to H.K., Jr. and Lois Van Every in Pine Bluff, Ark., on August 17, 1946. The oldest of three sons, Kelsey grew up in Columbus, Miss., with his brothers Eugene and David. He attended Lee High School, where he formed many life-long friendships. After graduation, Kelsey enrolled in Millsaps College in Jackson, where he lettered in baseball.
Kelsey was accepted to the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, where he studied for three years. It was during this time that Kelsey met the love of his life and future wife, Jo Anne Hawkins, who was in the nursing program at UMMC. They were married in 1973.
Although Kelsey chose not to pursue medicine, he turned his focus to studying law and became a bar-certified attorney, working as an apprentice in his father’s law office. Eventually he found a niche in the oil and gas industry, traveling and working as a petroleum land man for nearly 40 years, which provided some of his best friendships.
Kelsey and Jo Anne’s firstborn son, Jason, arrived in 1974, and Marcus followed in 1978 — the same year the family moved to Senatobia, Miss. They soon added two daughters — Anna Claire in 1981 and Carrie in 1985.
Kelsey and Jo Anne were deeply devoted parents who were engaged in their children’s lives and their community. They opened their home to everyone, especially those in need. The Van Every house became a second home for countless friends, who always knew they were loved and welcomed. Their presence was felt, whether in the schools, the church, or at the ballpark.
Kelsey was a genuine sports enthusiast who loved to follow sports and was a proud cowbell-carrying fan of the MSU Bulldogs. He was a well-rounded athlete in his own right, especially on the links as a scratch golfer. He was a great coach and teacher and cherished the many relationships afforded on and off the field. He was an encourager who believed in others, even when they didn’t believe in themselves. He helped start the first ever youth soccer program in Senatobia and coached his fair share of youth baseball and basketball teams, making a lasting impact on the next generation.
Then in the fall of 2000, tragedy dealt a crippling blow to the family, when Jo Anne was killed in a car accident. She was just 50. The heartbreak of her death remained with Kelsey til the day he died, as he longed for the day he and Jo Anne would be reunited in heaven.
After Jo Anne’s death, Kelsey cherished the time he had with his family, especially his 6 grandsons. He was most proud of being known as “Dada.” He never took for granted the privilege of watching his grandsons grow up and even lived to meet two of his great grandchildren.
Kelsey’s love for others came out of the overflow of God’s heart. He first came to faith in Jesus as a teenager at an old tent revival and walked with Christ his entire life. He was steadfast in his faith, strong in his convictions, and faithful in his service to God. Kelsey made a tremendous spiritual impact, much of it behind the scenes. He was a man of fervent prayer, who prayed faithfully for others.
He was a student of the Word and an apologist of the faith. He was unashamed as a witness, always quick to acknowledge Jesus and glorify God. He supported countless churches and ministries over the years and wanted more than anything to help spread the gospel of Jesus Christ into the world, which he did to the end.
Kelsey was unique and unconventional, but highly memorable and unapologetically himself. There was no one like him. He was inquisitive, highly intelligent, keenly observant, and true to his convictions. He was an independent thinker who spent a life-long pursuit for truth. He always taught his children to think critically, investigate everything, dream big, and to be themselves — as long as it was their best selves. He worked hard to provide, was honest in his dealings, and treated others with respect.
Some of his favorite moments were shared around the table with friends or family, especially at one of his favorite restaurants. He carried an authentic enthusiasm for life and loved to share a good laugh.
He was an avid reader, who loved to study, research, write, and dialogue about all manner of subjects. He loved history, art, music, theater, movies, and a good mystery. He was fluent in politics, government, science, medicine, theology, and law. He usually had a strong opinion about many things and wasn’t afraid to share it.
But for those who would listen, Kelsey was full of wisdom and godly counsel. Most importantly, he cared. He genuinely cared and wanted to share God’s love and life with everyone he knew.
We celebrate his life with the assurance that he is finally home with Jesus, with his beloved wife, Jo Anne, and a whole host of loved ones in that great heavenly reunion.
He fought the good fight. He kept the faith, and he finished his race. He will be deeply missed but not forgotten. His legacy lives on through his children and grandchildren. Well done Dada. You were a good and faithful servant. This is not goodbye. We will see you later. With Love Always.
Kelsey was preceded in death by his wife, Jo Anne Hawkins Van Every; parents, H.K. and Lois Van Every, and brother, David Van Every. He is survived by his daughters, Anna Van Every and Carrie Van Every; sons, Jason Van Every (Angela) and Marcus Van Every (Abby); brother, Eugene Van Every (Paula); sister-in-law, Betty Van Every; grandchildren, Easton Van Every (Caroline), Vance Van Every, Liam Hale, Everhett Van Every, Jordan Van Every, and Thaxton Van Every, and great grandchildren, Thomas Van Every and Eleanor Van Every.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Life Choices Memphis https://www.lifechoicesmemphis.org/give/ or Warrior Discipleship Ministry https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/TCSXGHXL7JBJS
Services were held Saturday, August 16, 2025 at Senatobia First Methodist Church. Burial followed in Senatobia Memorial Cemetery. Pate-Jones Funeral Home had charge of the arrangements.
