Kelly Jeannette Tay

Kelly, affectionately known to family as "Kellyboo", has peacefully joined The Lord, on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. She was born December 18, 1999, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, to Caromill N. Ortiz and Roland Tay.

At just 6 months old, Kelly moved to Dallas, Texas, with her parents. There she brought joy to all she met. She was a loving and bright child with enormous hopes and dreams. Kelly moved to the Atlanta area when she was 9 years old with her family. She attended Marietta City Schools (Lockheed and MCAA). Kelly was an avid reader; she got a Junior Writer award in 2009, her article was published in The Marietta Journal.

Her middle school years were at Griffin Middle (Cobb county). She then attended Sprayberry High School and was an exceptional student with over a 4.0 GPA.

While at Sprayberry High School, Kelly was involved in several clubs and organizations all while enrolled in advanced level academic classes. She was an active member of the National Honor Society, Beta Club, Anchor Club, Reading Bowl, Multicultural Club, H.O.P.E Club, and the Georgia State Latino Mentorship Organization. She often gave of her personal time to devote to community service work and to give to charity (MUST Ministries and Hands on Atlanta) .She also generously served as a Gobble Jog Volunteer. Kelly loved school and she was only one semester shy of earning her high school diploma.

Although Kelly quickly adjusted to the move, she was certainly a "Texan at heart". She often talked about moving back to Dallas and about her fond memories. Kelly enjoyed playing soccer and was an active teenager. Her most happy place was to be outdoors enjoying nature. She also loved to read and had a special love for learning. Kelly's favorite movie was "The Secret Life of Pets" and she had several special pets growing up.

Kelly planned to attend the University of Texas at Austin and study biochemistry in hopes of finding a cure for cancer, a condition she battled for over 3 long years. Kelly leaves behind to cherish her precious memory a loving and devoted mother, Caromill Ortiz, her grieving father, Roland Tay (Ms.Young), 2 loving sisters Zofia Ortiz (10) and Emma Ortiz (7), two stepbrothers Jim and Daniel Lim, her "Titi" Wanda Lagua, uncle Rich and aunts Rosemarie and Roseline, and a host of family and friends who will miss her dearly.

Kelly J. Tay will be remembered during a service on November 10, 2018, at 11am at the Georgia Memorial Park Funeral Home Chapel. Private Interment will be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be made at www.GeorgiaMemorialPark.com