Juanita Kelly

Juanita was born February 18, 1924, in Baltimore, Md., the daughter of Robert Karl Lewis and Alpharetta Myers. She grew up in Cumberland, Md., and Berkeley Springs, W. Va. She graduated from Western Kentucky State Teachers College in 1946, and she completed medical technology training through the Kentucky State Board of Health. Over the years, she worked as a medical technologist at several doctor’s offices in Maryland and Kentucky.

She married John Samuel Kelly on Christmas Eve of 1945, beginning a 62-year union of love and companionship. Together they raised five children, all while Juanita encouraged and supported John in his government career. After John’s retirement, the family moved to Austin, TX., in 1973.

In addition to being a devoted caretaker to her husband as he faced numerous medical conditions, Juanita was active as an artist and a dedicated churchgoer. As a china painter, she created many beautiful scenes of flowers and wildlife on plates and serving pieces, generously sharing her artistic works with others.

She spent a great deal of time helping others as a leader of United Methodist Women. She also volunteered countless hours assisting with the food pantry program at St. Mark United Methodist Church. In addition, she volunteered at the North Austin Medical Center’s Kidney Transplant Center.

In her spare time, she kept a spotless house and baked a delicious blueberry pie. She loved Hershey bars, cats and TV medical dramas. She could beat anyone at Scrabble.

Juanita Kelly left a powerful legacy of service to others and dedication to family. She will be hugely missed and memories of her will long be cherished.

She is predeceased by her husband John, her sister Diane Beckner, her father, her mother and her stepmother Ruth Lewis. She is survived by children Jack Kelly (wife Anita), Nancy Belz (husband John), Mary Crites (husband Jim), Barbara Kelly-King (husband Wayne) and Carolyn Lindell (husband Chuck). She is also survived by her sister MaryAnne Leddy, as well as seven grandchildren and two great grandsons.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 1, at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 N. Lamar Blvd. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, October 2, at St. Mark United Methodist Church, 601 W. Braker Lane, Austin, Tx.,78753.

In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to the Love Box Food Pantry at St. Mark United Methodist Church.

To share condolences with the family please visit our website at www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com.