Shannon Kyle Kelley

Shannon Kelley, 64, passed away in Los Angeles, California, on May 16, 2024 after a prolonged illness. Born in September 1959 in Colorado, she was the fifth and final child of Dr. Omer and Frances Kelley. She graduated from Desert Sun High School in Idyllwild, California, and earned a BA in Fashion Design from the University of Maryland.

Shannon was a beautiful and sensitive person. An accomplished artist in the media of batik and charcoal drawing, she especially excelled as a teacher: compassionate, knowledgeable, and always encouraging of her students.

After graduating from college, Shannon worked for two years in the fashion industry in Los Angeles. At the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, she was hired as a recruiter and sent to numerous Los Angeles high schools—an experience that led Shannon to realize how much she enjoyed working with students and ultimately encouraged her transition to teaching. She taught English as a Second Language, reading, and English language arts to adult and secondary students.

Shannon's special calling, however, was teaching at-risk high school students in the LAUSD Adult Education Division's AEWC (Alternative Education Work Center) program—a dropout recovery program. This was her most joyful teaching experience. She loved her students, encouraged them, extolled their accomplishments, and was instrumental in their graduating from high school.

One morning while driving to work, Shannon's small car was hit from behind by a large semi-truck, ending the career she so loved, as she sustained permanent back and leg injuries. Placed on a small disability retirement while still in her forties, she was in constant pain. Her physical mobility progressively declined—and along with it, her physical and mental health. The last twenty years of her life were very difficult and challenging. With her passing, Shannon is now, at last, released from her anguish.

Shannon was preceded in death by her parents Dr. Omer and Frances Kelley, brother Michael Kelley, and niece Maureen Kelley. She is survived by her siblings Kevin, Dianne and Kerry Kelley; niece Vanessa Kelley; nephews Christopher Kelley, Aaron Kelley, and Ernest Cathcart.

An act of kindness to a person in need or a donation to a charity of your choice would be a nice way to honor Shannon's memory. A small memorial service is planned for the summer.

We love you, Shannon.