The Journey of

Apostle Derek Damont Kelly

The beloved son, husband, brother, father, grandfather, spiritual leader and visionary.

Apostle Derek Damont Kelly is the eldest of three siblings born to Pastor Parnell, Jr. and Elder Marianne Kelly in Salisbury, NC. He received his education in the Rowan-Salisbury School District and completed his studies at North Rowan High School. In his professional career, Apostle Kelly served as a supervisor at Lexington Furniture Company and was also employed with Carolina Rubber Hose in Salisbury, NC.

On January 28, 1989, he married the love of his life and partner in ministry, Lady Kimerely Carpenter Kelly. Together they raised their three children in a loving and nurturing home, exemplifying that true ministry begins in the home.

Gifted from an early age, Apostle Kelly began serving as a Minister of Music at 13 years old. A passionate musician and skilled songwriter, he ministered in song across churches throughout the region, earning numerous awards and touching countless lives through his musical anointing.

His call to ministry came in December 1991 after faithfully serving at his home church, New Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Linwood, NC, under the leadership of Reverend Moses Caldwell. That "yes" to God propelled him into a lifetime of service. In April 1994, he became the Senior Pastor of New Faith Church, Lexington, NC, a position he held with honor, humility, and unshakable commitment for 31 years.

In 1998, Apostle Kelly connected with the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship under Bishop Paul S. Morton. He served diligently as Director of Christian Education for both the Northwest District and the State of North Carolina. He provided teaching, training, and spiritual development that shaped leaders across the region; later being appointed as an Overseer. During this time, he earned an Associate of Arts in Biblical Studies from the Full Gospel Baptist College. While serving in Full Gospel, a divine connection was made with Bishop Kevin L. Long, who became a spiritual father, mentor and confidant.

In 2003, Apostle Kelly established Kingdom Impact Ministries, which was later renamed Kingdom Impact Ministries Apostolic Network, Inc; a Network dedicated to establishing, empowering, equipping and executing pastors, leaders, and those with apostolic callings. The following year, he founded Zoe Church of Deliverance in Salisbury, NC, which is now New Faith Full Gospel Fellowship Center, Salisbury, NC, where he planted his first pastor.

His leadership continued to expand as the Lord elevated him. In December 2005, he was selected as a Bishop-Designate and, in September 2006, was duly consecrated as a Bishop in the Lord's Church by His Eminence Bishop Nathan J. Anderson and W.A.R. Fellowship Ministries, International. He was appointed Co-Adjutor and leader of Region #2, further extending his reach and responsibility.

Committed to academic excellence, Apostle Kelly graduated summa cum laude in 2010 from Shaw University with a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Philosophy and a minor in Education. He continued his educational journey by completing master's-level coursework in Religion at Liberty University.

In August 2016, another milestone unfolded as he was affirmed and commissioned as an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ by his Apostolic Father, Bishop Ralph L. Dennis. Apostle Kelly embraced this call with grace, helping the Body of Christ understand and engage Kingdom ministry both within the church and the marketplace. He faithfully served as the CEO and Chief Celebrant of Kingdom Impact Ministries Apostolic Network, Inc., equipping leaders and churches for greater Kingdom impact.

Apostle Kelly was also a dedicated educator in both the Davidson & Guilford County School System, teaching Middle School Language Arts and Social Studies. His excellence in the classroom was recognized during the 2022–2023 school year when he received commendations for exceeding expected growth.

Deeply committed to his community, he served in numerous leadership roles within Lexington and Davidson County, including Past President of the Lexington Community Ministers Conference, Past Chairman of Focus on Leadership of Davidson County, Past Vice-Chairman of the Davidson County Partnership for Children, and as a proud graduate of Leadership Davidson County. For nine years, he was a monthly columnist for the Lexington Dispatch newspaper, using his voice to inspire and uplift.

In 2023, Apostle Kelly's ministry reached international soil as he preached in Kenya, where several churches came under his spiritual covering. In that year, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Zoe Bible College and released his first book, Processed for The Promise, which has made a significant impact on readers across various regions.

In 2022, after the transition of Bishop Willie Joseph Gray, Apostle Kelly graciously accepted the role of Interim Pastor at Freedom United Church of God, Inc., Woodleaf, NC. During his brief time there, he empowered the congregation to heal, recover and move forward in effective ministry.

Above all, Apostle Kelly's greatest joy was his family. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Kimerely; his three children, Marcus (Sharika), Derius (Kenya), and Charity; six beloved grandchildren; Reign, Kearston, Dalynn, Kameron, TJ, and Noah. One precious great-grandchild, Emerie; his parents; Pastor Parnell & Elder Marianne Kelly siblings; Kimberly Kelly & Crystal Kelly, nieces; nephews; extended family; spiritual sons and daughters; and the countless lives touched by his ministry.

Apostle Derek Damont Kelly lived wholly for God…teaching, preaching, loving, and leading with excellence and integrity. His life's impact will continue to echo through generations.

Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord.

Funeral program QR Code:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/148naVDHxC_AszzHZ1C611yUPg3c6fZAF/view

Lie in State
Friday, December 12, 2025
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
New Faith Full Gospel Fellowship Center
402 Oak Avenue
Lexington, NC 27292

Community Legacy Celebration
Friday, December 12, 2025
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
New Zion Missionary Baptist Church
2785 Dunns Mountain Road
Salisbury, NC 28146
Pastor Patrick Jones, Senior Pastor

Official Homegoing Celebration
Saturday, December 13, 2025
Great Commission Community Church
3733 Ogburn Avenue
Winston-Salem, NC 27105
Apostle Gloria Samuels, Senior Pastor

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM — Family Visitation
11:00 AM — Official Service

(All Clergy Are Asked To Dress In Class A)

Arrangements are entrusted to Roberts Funeral Service, Lexington.