Joan Arlene Kelly, 86, of Pinehurst, passed away at her home on Saturday, January 27th.
A celebration of her life will be held at the Boles Funeral Home, 425 W. Pennsylvania Ave. Southern Pines on Wednesday at 2:00 P.M. The family will receive friends at the funeral prior to the service from 1:00 – 2:00
Born in Romulus, MI, she was the daughter of the late Elton and Mamie Dennett. Joan married James Kelly in 1947 and together they moved to St. Petersburg, FL and raised their family. Joan was employed at E-Systems for 20 years as a trainer in building circuit boards for use at NASA. She retired from E-Systems in 1986 and moved to Pinehurst, NC where she worked as a Human Resource Manager until 1992. After full retirement, she enjoyed playing golf, crossword & jigsaw puzzles. Joan had both a gift and a passion for quilting. She was a loving mother, grandmother and friend to all she knew.
In addition to her husband James “Papy” Kelly, Joan is survived by their children: Kathy Sherman, husband Lee, Tricia Salebra, husband Charlie, Colleen Kelly, Jim Kelly, II, wife Tracy, and Chris Kelly. She was the grandmother of Mary, Jennifer, the late Corey, Ginny, Christine, Mark, Erin, Ashley Elle, Jimmy, III., Kerri, Nina, Ryan, James, Anne – Marie, Kendal.
She is also survived by her 23 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, a brother Jim Dennett, wife Judy, Sisters – Mary-Ann, the late Jackie Stone, the late Joyce Merriman and by many loving Nieces, Nephews and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Ronald McDonald House at RMHWS 419 S. Hawthorne Rd. Winston – Salem, N.C. 27103 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.
To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Joan Arlene Kelly, please visit Boles’ Tribute Store.
Online condolences: BolesFuneralHome.com.
Mrs. Kelly’s family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers at Sandhills Sentinel.
