Loraine Miller Kelly

Loraine Kelly, 89, went home to be with her Savior on Tuesday evening, July 11th. She was born May 30, 1928, in Brunswick, Georgia to the late Georgia and William O. Miller and was preceded in death by her sister, Bobbie Miller. Survivors include one daughter, Sherri Jones and her husband Mitchell, of St. Simons Island, Georgia, and one son, John Kelly and his wife, Kathy, of Post Falls, Idaho. She had six grandchildren: Harry, Edward, Ellie and Georgia who were born in England, and Kalan and Paige of Idaho. She is also survived by one brother, William O. Miller, Jr. of Brunswick and his family.

Loraine Kelly enjoyed a full life. She loved her family and friends, her church and community. She graduated from Glynn Academy, Class of 1946, in Brunswick, Georgia and gave Jane Macon credit for instilling her thirst for knowledge. She remained a perpetual student pursuing a variety of interests. She attended a college in every place she had lived, the last being American University in Washington, DC. She was an interior designer with years of experience in historic restoration and decoration. Hickory Hill, the home of Ethel and Robert Kennedy, and historic Prospect House, which served as the Blair House during the Truman administration, were two of her most notable projects.

In 1955, Loraine Miller married Richard Kelly of Zephyrhills, Florida. She became his partner as he served as lawyer, judge and U. S. Congressman from Florida. Her recently published memoir, Through Trials to Glory, The Life and Trials of Loraine and Richard Kelly, is about her life as the wife of Richard Kelly--trying to make sense of the trials they endured, and about survival after it all fell apart. She knew that trials would come, life could be tough, but God is good. She knew that trials were not an opposition to our happiness, but an opportunity for holiness and maturity which can lead to true joy.

Loraine Kelly remained in Washington, DC for thirty years before returning to Georgia and St. Simons Island in late December 2004. Her Washington family was and remained her beloved Friday Group led by Joanne Kemp. She was also blessed in having a loving and supportive home group and wonderful neighbors on St. Simons.

Loraine also loved travelling, reading, cooking, painting, gardening and bridge, especially with her grandchildren. She spent her summers in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho in an historic cottage that she lovingly renovated as a gathering place for her family and friends.

She resided on St. Simons Island and was a member of the St. Simons Community Church.

Arrangements for a celebration of life service will be confirmed shortly.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Simons Community Church and The Gathering Place.

Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home are entrusted with arrangements.