Shirley Ann Kelly

Ms. Kelly was a long-time resident of Pearl and a member of McLaurin Heights United Methodist Church. She was born in Jackson on January 26, 1935, and graduated from Central High School in 1953. Ms. Kelly went to work for South Central Bell in Jackson shortly after high school. She retired from the real estate department at BellSouth after 37 years of service to allow her time to care for her mother, Myrtle Childre. After the death of her mother, Shirley worked for Hinds Community College as a receptionist at the Rankin campus. Ms. Kelly moved to Williamsburg, Virginia, in 2014 to be close to family.

She enjoyed gardening, growing many varieties of flowers, vegetables, and fruit. With her mother, Ms. Kelly enjoyed canning and making pickles and preserves that she shared with family and friends. She was a generous host who could prepare a wonderful meal to feed an army at the drop of a hat.

Her chicken, catfish and pies are legendary among her family. She was always ready to prepare a dish to share with a friend in need. Ms. Kelly also enjoyed artistic hobbies. She was an excellent seamstress and showered her nieces and nephew with gifts that she made. She painted, quilted and crocheted. In her 40s Ms. Kelly bought a piano and took lessons to learn how to play. She demonstrated a spirit of curiosity and a love of learning throughout her life.

She is survived by her brother, Ralph Kelly, his wife, Jane Watkins; niece Martha Patton, and her husband, Perry Patton, and their daughter, Anna Catherine Patton; niece Sara Schroeder, her husband John Schroeder, and their children, Jessica and Jack Schroeder; nephew Gray Kelly, his wife Kim Blass, and their children, Fisher and Selia Kelly. Ms. Kelly was a wonderful sister and aunt who showered her family with delicious food and unconditional love.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2017 from 1pm – 2pm at McLaurin Heights United Methodist Church with funeral services beginning at 2 pm. Interment will follow at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Food Pantry at McLaurin Heights United Methodist Church, 325 Mary Ann Drive, Pearl, MS 39208.

Please visit www.baldwinleepearl.com to sign the online guestbook.