She graduated from Agnes Scott College and from there she went to work at TVA. While there she met and married the love of her life, Jervey. As an army wife, they lived in many places around the US and in Japan. She raised her children with love and direction. Proverbs 22:6
After retirement from the army they moved to Tallahassee in 1963. There she began her second course of study at FSU to earn her masters degree in music theory with a minor in applied piano. She spent many hours volunteering in the community: TMH Pink Ladies, Friends of the Leon County Public library, the business office at the FSU school of music, and at her church, Trinity United Methodist. Books were another passion. She was in book clubs with poets, lawyers, doctors and other friends. They much appreciated her recall and depth of understanding. In her 70s she took up ballet with friends that remained close throughout the rest of her life.
Claire is preceded in death by her husband. She is survived by her son Peter Kelly of Tallahassee, T. J. Kelly (his wife Diana) of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and her daughter, Nancy Kelly of Jasper, GA. Survivors also include her niece, Libby Ellis of Tallahassee, and extended family members and friends; nephew Nick and Judy Bennett of Raleigh, NC.; and Chris and Frankie Bennett of Quarryville, PA. Julie and Michael McBride of Tallahassee, Corbin and Deon Ellis of Tallahassee, and Mary McBride of Norfolk, VA. She is also survived by her surrogate daughter, Lisa Raleigh-McAuley.
Donations & Services: Because of Covid, a private service for family and close friends will be held on February 18, 2022 at Roselawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to the FSU College of Music or Big Bend
Hospice.
Payable to FSU Foundation in honor of Claire Kelly. Send to FSU College of Music, PO Box 3061180, Tallahassee, FL 32306-1180. You may also give online: https://give.fsu.edu/music
Or Big Bend Hospice in honor of Claire Kelly, 1723 Mahan Center Blvd., Tallahassee, FL 32308-5428
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