She accompanied the church choir, playing and singing in nursing homes, and traveled with a part-time gospel group on the weekends.
She played keyboards and sang background vocals on projects for artists including Bob Bennett and Roby Duke before Maranatha!
In 2004, both of her parents died, her 29-year marriage came to an end, and her 18-year-old daughter Haylie committed suicide after a struggle with severe depression.
[2] Willard's latest album, recorded in 2000, titled Paga, features her son Bryan on bass guitar, and her daughter Haylie in a duet on the song "Beautiful Jesus".
[citation needed] Kelly Willard lives in Florence, Alabama; she is writing and recording a new "duo" project with long-time friend, Rene Stamps.