Laura Leigh Kelly

Laura Leigh Kelly, 46, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends at St. Vincent’s Hospital- Riverside on Friday, 2/20/2026. She was born on August 13, 1979, in Jacksonville, FL, to Cindy and Jimmy Kelly.

Laura graduated from Bishop Kenny High School and Jacksonville University with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and minors in Business Administration and Political Science.

Laura taught Business Management classes at The Villages High School, where she was Interact Faculty Advisor and Assistant Swim Coach. Laura maintained many friendships with parents, teachers, and students. Several of her former students have stayed in touch and she enjoyed hearing their stories about college, careers and family. Upon her return to Jacksonville, Laura worked in various areas of Florida Blue and Guidewell for 6 years. Her health declined and she could no longer work.

Laura was awarded the Rotary International Citation Award for Excellence and an honorary membership into the Rotary Club of the Villages. She has 3 Paul Harris Fellows. Laura volunteered for many causes Relay for Life, Margaret’s Memories, Tear Catchers and Walk to Remember our babies.

Laura enjoyed reading, painting, her butterfly garden and most of all the Florida Gators. Her love of animals was shown by rescuing squirrels, rabbits, cats and dogs. She was able to donate both kidneys to recipients out of state. So her life will go on through others.

She is survived by her parents Cindy and Jimmy Kelly, Aunt Diane Feagle (Marlin) Lake City; Aunt JanJo Merians (Gary) Ocala, Uncle Mike Kelly (Becky) The Villages, Uncle James Giddens (Fleming Island), a very special “niece” Jenna Yown (Jax), her rescued cat Thomas, and many cousins and friends.

She is preceded in death by twin daughters Britton Deaton and Rylan Elliott Kelly-Dunn, great grandparents Pearl and JD Beard, Grandparents Twila and Dan Robinson, Grandparents Mikey and Janice Kelly, Aunt Kim Giddens and beloved doxie’s Tucker and Chance.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, February 24th, 11:00am, Ortega Methodist Church. Graveside burial on February 25th, 3:00, Riverside Memorial Park.

A very special thank you to the medical team, doctors, nurses and staff at St. Vincent’s Riverside, 2900 Critical Care for the excellent care Laura received and the love and compassion shown for Laura and her family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Laura’s memory to her special charity, Ana’s Angels Animal Rescue, 4525 Hood Road, Jax 32257 or Ortega Methodist Church, 4807 Roosevelt Blvd, Jax, 32210.