Jean W. Kelly

Jean Wilson Kelly, 87, of North Palm Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully at home on October 10, with her son and daughter at her side. Jean was born to Everett and Nettie Wilson on July 27, 1936, in St. Charles, Virginia. Virginia born and raised, Jean loved living in Roanoke, and Richmond after leaving Lee County. She moved from Richmond to live with her son in North Palm Beach in late December 2017.

She was affectionately known as the “lunch lady” at Bon Air Elementary, Robious Middle, and James River High Schools for 18 years and enjoyed numerous years as a retail sales associate with what is now known as Macy’s. She attended Roanoke’s Cave Spring United Methodist Church and Richmond’s Bon Air United Methodist Church, where she volunteered as a chaperone for children’s activities and retreats. Hobbies include taking walks, reading, baking (her lemon pound cake, pecan puffs, and meatloaf were specialties), and watching her favorite television shows -Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, Commander’s Football (formerly the Washington Redskins), and Blue Bloods, to name a few. She especially enjoyed spending time with family (specifically, spoiling her grandchildren) and friends. Jean also loved spending time at the beaches in Florida and in the mountains of Virginia.

Also affectionately known as “Nana,” Jean is survived by her daughter, Pamela (Michael) Blackburn, of Richmond, Virginia; her son, Wilson Douglas (Jeni) Kelly of North Palm Beach, Florida; grandchildren, Casey Jean Blackburn, James Douglas Kelly, and Adrianna (Addie) Marie Kelly; nieces, Gwen (N.B.) Wilson, and Theresa Fleming; cousin, Darlene “Sis” (Ralph) Callahan, and extended family members. Nana is also survived by beloved family dogs, Jezabel, Bear, and Charlotte, and cats, Kiwi, and Molly.

Jean is preceded in death by her husband, James Kelly; her parents and sisters, Esther Morris of Greenfield, IN, and Evelyn “Faye” Reed of Leesburg, FL.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Richmond, Virginia, at a date and time to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Jean's memory to the Parkinson’s Foundation at www.Parkinson.org. Arrangements made by Howard-Quattlebaum Funeral, Cremation and Event Center.

Jean’s family would like to extend its heartfelt appreciation to the Trustbridge hospice staff, her caregiver and family friend, Marie Amerilan and the many family members and friends who have shared this journey with us. Rest in peace, Nana Jean…we love you a bushel, and a peck, and a hug around the neck.