Flora McIver Kelly

She was born in New Orleans, Louisiana to Mary Tarry Watkins and John Alton McIver, and from a young age was devoted to her family. All her life she strived to be a sunbeam for Jesus.

Flora spent her youth in New Orleans where she graduated from Fortier High School, and then attended St Mary’s Junior College in Raleigh, North Carolina. After St. Mary’s, Flora received a BA degree from Newcomb College.

As a Chi Omega, KA Rose, and member of the Homecoming Court, Flora made lifelong friends and met the love of her life, John. For over 50 years, Flora and John had a loving and fun connection that was infectious to all around them. Whether fishing, playing tennis, traveling or singing and dancing, they always “passed a good time.”

Together, they loved gathering family and friends, especially for one of Flora’s unbelievable meals. Whether she was hosting a dinner party, prepping breakfast while catching up with friends over a cup of coffee at the counter, or preparing for her weekly favorite card game, Bridge, her kitchen always had something cooking.

Flora thoroughly enjoyed sharing her creative gifts through clubs such as the Junior League, Orleans Club, and the Colonial Dames. She was always quilting, crafting or making “Dozzy’s” to help support a special event or friend in her community. She constantly sought opportunities to give back to others, and served as a faith-filled member of St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church and a dedicated Sunday school teacher where she inspired children for over 35 years.

Flora was beloved by so many, cultivating a list of affectionate nicknames: “Scodie Roadie”, “Flossie”, Sweet Lei Lani (Heavenly Flower), True Note, Mother Flora, Top Rod, Fish Slayer, Ya- Ya and her favorite, Fofo.

Flora was a wonderful role model, a steel magnolia, and a southern gentlewoman who was always proud of her fierce Scot Heritage. She will be remembered as a steadfast wife, a fabulous mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and a loyal friend.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband John Whitfield Kelly III and her brother John Alton McIver, Jr. She is survived by the “Kelly Girls” Carolyn Kelly York (Jon), Nancy Guy Kelly, Katherine McIver Kelly, Tarry Kelly August (Scott). She adored her grandchildren Kelly (Lowell), Jonathan (Kelsey), Katherine (Andrew), Minnie Mae, and Caroline as well as three great-grandchildren Harper, Ellie and Marguerite McIver. She is also survived by her sister Nancy McIver Chaffe (Black) as well as many special nieces, nephews and cousins, all of whom she drew close to her.

The family would like to give thanks to the wonderful caregivers from Dependable Nursing who were so good to Flora in her final years as well as the entire staff at Oschner Hospital.

A Memorial Service will be held at St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church on Friday, January 20, 2023 at 11:00 am with visitation beginning at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church (scapc.org) or the Alzheimer’s Association (act.alz.org).