Jan Iris Kelly

She was very, very catching.

Jan Iris (Smith) Kelly was born on September 7, 1944 in Brady, Texas. Jan, an ever-present gentle and graceful spirit, beloved by all, spent most of her childhood enjoying time and creating life-long memories with her cousins and family in Richland Springs TX. She attended the University of Texas Austin and spent most of her adult life in Houston TX, with the last 15 years as the adored wife of Ed Kelly.

A beautiful soul, Jan loved to travel the world. With eyes and heart wide open, she lived her life, gathering family as she went - whether by blood, marriage, or just because she said so - and adding them to her always growing village of people she called her loved ones. She had a natural gift of love, and through her generosity many lives have been profoundly changed.

For many years, Jan worked with the Houston International Festival as the Director of Fine Arts, Visual Arts, Education and Markets. She was passionate about her role at the Festival, and loved deeply the people and artisans with whom she worked. Jan took tremendous pride in her opportunity to change and impact the local Houston community and cherished bringing the fascinating, beautiful, and interesting countries of the world to Houston. It was a most unique opportunity and no one was better suited for tying a community together through art and culture.

Unexpectedly, last week, she was admitted to the hospital due to complications from cancer treatments. She passed with dignity and grace; without suffering and surrounded by family. Those of us left behind not only have the honor of carrying on her legacy, but also the privilege and responsibility to pass forward her deep love for life and to carry the positive, influential impact she gifted to others who have not had the opportunity to love her. She wore courage on her sleeve with a passion for life that was not only infectious but healing for others.

One thing we know with certainty is God's timing is perfect, and on August 16th, 2015, Jan entered the Kingdom of Heaven. She was a shining warrior, and inspiration in her determination to live a wonderful, full life; breathing in every moment.

Jan is preceded in death by her mother and stepfather, Maxine and Glen Pribble; father, James Daniel Earnest; and brother, Danny "Dougan" Earnest. Jan is survived by her spouse, Edward Kelly; children, Bob Covington IV and Shell and Jason Works; stepchildren, Kathy and Tom Gaden, Steve and Sheryl Kelly, and Lisa and Sam Castro; her grandblessings, Bailey Caitlyn and Hudson Works, Nate Harrell, John Thomas and Shannon Gaden, and Sam and Tyler Castro; and her nieces and nephews, Julie Maxine. Jan's special affection for her grandchildren is immeasurable and her

Please join us at A Memorial Mass celebrating Jan's life - 10:30am, Friday August 21, 2015 at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 11720 Joan Of Arc Drive, Houston TX 77024. A reception will follow at her and Ed's house.