Mary Eleanor Kelley

Mary was a proud graduate of St. Clair County High School, class of 1966. She devoted her life to education, earning a bachelor’s, master’s, and an Education Specialist degree (Ed.S.) in Physical Education and Health, a master’s degree in Educational Administration, a master’s degree in Library and Media Science.

She began her career teaching physical education and health in Odenville before being assigned to the St. Clair County Board of Education, where she served with dedication until her retirement in 1999. Retirement did not end her calling. Mary continued serving students as an elementary school librarian in Lafayette, Georgia. A teacher at heart, she was never truly “off duty,” offering guidance, encouragement, and knowledge wherever she went.

Mary’s love of learning extended well beyond the classroom. She had a special passion for history—particularly the history of St. Clair County—sparked by her former teacher and lifelong friend, Joe Whitten. She was an active member of the St. Clair County Retired Teachers Association and remained deeply engaged with the educational community she loved.

An avid traveler, Mary delighted in exploring the world. Among her most cherished and frequently shared adventures were trips to Hawaii, the Grand Canyon, and Ireland. Closer to home, she enjoyed attending storytelling festivals, researching genealogy, and reading. One of her favorite authors was Rick Bragg, whose nonfiction stories of family and life in Alabama resonated deeply with her. True to her nature, Mary’s gifts to her nieces and nephews always included a book.

Though she never had children of her own, Mary built a family wherever she landed. Her neighbors on Ranch Marina Road—the Crapets, Freemans, and her Boston Terriers—became her chosen family and a source of great joy and companionship.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Otto and Elsie Kelley; and her brothers, Lionel Kelley and Tim Kelley.

She is survived by her brother, Larry Kelley (Wanda); sister-in-law, Ginger Kelley(Lionel); nieces and nephews Brad (Melissa) Kelley, Jennifer (Jordan) Alverson, Emily (Casey) Simmons, and Laramie (Lauren) Kelley; and great-nieces and nephews Drake Kelley, Parks, Claire Donaldson, Hattie Alverson, Addy Simmons, Raegan Simmons, Evie Kelley, and Remi Kelley.

Mary Eleanor Kelley will be remembered as a lifelong educator, an enthusiastic learner, a devoted reader, and a steady presence of wisdom and studiousness. She taught not only in classrooms, but through the way she lived—always curious, always sharing stories, and always a teacher.

Mary will be honored with a service on Wednesday, January 28th, at 3:00 p.m at Kilgroe Memorial Funeral Home in Pell City. The service will be led by Dr. Greg Cobb. Pallbearers include Brad Kelley, Laramie Kelley, Casey Simmons, Jordan Alverson, Drake Kelley, Parks Donaldson, Randy Freeman, and Dr. Greg Cobb.