Vara Kelly-Oliver, affectionately known as “Peaches,” was born on June 3, 1952, and passed away on September 12, 2026, at the age of 74. A beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, she brought laughter, kindness, and a bold spirit into the lives of those who knew her.

Vara attended Akron Public Schools, graduated from South High School, and later attended the University of Akron. She worked for many years at Chemstress Consultant Company. She married Rexford Oliver and was the mother of Charles Kelly, Rexford Oliver, Earline Oliver, and James Taylor.

Peaches loved her family deeply. Her children held a special place in her heart, and she took great pride in being a grandmother and great-grandmother.

Family meant so much to Peaches, and that included both her husband, Rexford Oliver, and James Taylor, lovingly known as “Dink,” the father of Earline and James. They shared a warm friendship, and all got along, each holding a special place in the family. The love and respect they had for one another helped make their family one where everyone belonged.

Known as a “Northside legend” and the “neighborhood auntie,” Peaches helped raise everybody’s kids. Her love reached far beyond her own children, and so many grew up knowing her as someone they could count on. She fed them, looked out for them, and treated them like her own. Her laughter, kindness, and bold personality made her unforgettable, but it was the love she poured into generations of children that made her family to so many.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ogden Kelly and Earline Kelly; her son, Rexford Oliver; and her brother, Gregory Kelly.

She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Charles Kelly, Earline Oliver, and James Taylor; her grandchildren, Moenay Oliver, Rezeeahni Oliver, Ni’jiren Cottle, and Eliza Taylor; her great-granddaughter, Paislee Terry; her sisters, Carol Kelly-Williams of Portland, Oregon, and Claudette Noel of Lithonia, Georgia; her brother, Rodney Kelly of Akron, Ohio; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

To her family, she was their beloved Peaches. To her neighborhood, she was Auntie. She had a way of making people feel like they belonged, and the love she shared reached far beyond her own family. We will miss her laughter, her voice, and the comfort of simply having her near. In every shared meal, every familiar story, and every memory that brings a smile through the tears, a little piece of Peaches will be with us. She will always be loved, always be missed, and forever hold a place in our hearts.