Katherine "Kay" Jackson Kelley

Waynesville, Katherine Ann Jackson Kelley, age 98, passed away on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 at Haywood Lodge & Retirement Center.

A native of Henderson County, she was one of nine children of the late Lonnie Jackson and Barbara Anderson Jackson.  Kay was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 69 years, Joseph Wilfred Kelley, who died seven weeks ago; sisters, Mary, Christine, Margaret, Dot, Faye, and Millie; and brother, Wallace.

Raising a happy family was her life’s biggest accomplishment.  Having fun times with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren was a great joy to Kay.  Wonderful memories were made on family trips to Jacksonville and Myrtle beaches, NC State Fair, and Disney World.  Kay loved animals of all kinds and enjoyed spoiling them.  One of her routines was feeding scraps to birds and grandson Andy’s chickens and dogs.  Urban lore says that Kay had the first yard sale in Haywood County and set the bar high for others.

Kay is survived by her dear daughters, Shirley Franklin (Doug) and Mary Jo Reece (Keith); sister, Doris Fuertes; sister-in-law, Vivian Kelley; four grandchildren, Patricia Franklin (Will Ross), Carol Cook (Brian), Jenny Revis Todd (Matthew), and Andy Revis (Nicole); and numerous great-grandchildren.  Also left to treasure her memory are numerous special nieces and nephews, including niece Sherry Claggett of St. George, Utah whose phone calls, cards, and letters brightened the days of both Kay and Joe.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 26, 2023 at Green Hill Cemetery with Reverend Jeff Norris officiating.  The family will receive friends from 12:30 p.m. until 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the entire staff of Haywood Lodge & Retirement Center for the compassionate care and special attention given to both Kay and Joe.

Memorials may be made to Sarge's Animal Rescue Foundation, 256B Industrial Park Drive, Waynesville, NC 28786.