Juanita Bethune Kelly

Juanita “Parker” Bethune Kelly, peacefully passed away on December 31, 2019 (Age 98). She was blessed to be surrounded by family and the comfort of her husband’s love until she passed into the precious arms of Jesus our Lord and Savior.

Juanita was born on May 28, 1921 in Chattanooga and was preceded in death by her parents, Helen “King” Parker and Norton E. Parker. Juanita was happily married to James C. Bethune for sixty one years until he went home to be with the Lord. She and James (JC), were blessed with five children; Jim Bethune, daughter-in-law Wilma Bethune of East Ridge, TN, Pat Goin of Ringgold, GA, Delores Jean Layton, son-in-law Robert Layton of Rockwood, TN, Tanya Tanski & son-in-law Robert Tanski of Atlanta, GA & daughter Wanda Faye Bethune (deceased).

Left behind to cherish Juanita’s memories are her sisters, Geneva Parker Broyles of East Ridge, Betty Parker of East Ridge, Gloria Curtis of Hixson, and preceded in death by her brother, Jack Parker.

Juanita was beyond blessed to be adorned with nine grandchildren, Jimmy Bethune, Rodney Bethune, Roger Dale, Jeff Dale, Scott Dale, Susan Pogue, Angie Wampler, Lisa Pemberton, Tim Layton and survived by many beautiful great-grandchildren over the years.

At the age of 84 Juanita fell in love once again and married the most wonderful and loving man, Gene Kelly on June 22, 2005. Gene and Juanita are the oldest couple to be married at the famous Wedding Chapel of Ringgold. Juanita and Gene lived life to the fullest dancing the night away for years. They shared a love to the end like no other. Juanita loved her stepchildren, Sandra Kelly Watkins of Chattanooga, TN, Gregory (Sunny) Kelly of Ringgold, GA, Frank Kelly of Bridgeman, MI and Ronn Varnell of Houston, TX. She was preceded in death by two stepchildren, Donna Williams and Gary Kelly.

The family wants to thank the wonderful and caring staff of Life Care Center of Collegedale for providing such a loving environment over the last two years of her life. We also thank Amedisys Hospice of Chattanooga for end of life care. You are greatly appreciated and will never be forgotten.

Family and friends will gather to celebrate the life of Juanita Kelly at the National Cemetery for a brief service on Monday, January 6, 2020 at 2:30 PM.

Arrangements are by the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, 404 South Moore Road, East Ridge, TN.

Please Share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com.