Joyce E. Kelly, 86, of Newberry, SC, wife of the late US Army Chaplain Colonel Lawrence A. Kelly Jr., departed this life on Tuesday, June 4th, 2024 at her home surrounded by family. Born Joyce Edna Dennis on November 30, 1937 in Lansing, Michigan to the late Anna Vivian Swindlehurst and Merlin Dennis, she later married her wonderful husband on September 11,1954.

She dedicated her life to creating a warm and loving home for her family. Joyce was known for her many collections of European fine art, Hummel statues, German Steiff Bears, and Swarovski Crystal. She cherished her world travels as an army wife, while stationed in Germany, having traveled across Europe.

In addition to her husband she was preceded by daughter Patricia Kelly Becker Dowd and grandsons John Kelly and Patrick Becker.

Joyce is survived by her son, Lawrence A. Kelly III (Kitty), daughter Kathleen E. Kelly, daughter Mary Kelly Glass and Christian Kelly Becker (Maimi) ; and grandchildren Lawrence A. Kelly IV, Michael Kelly (Sherita), Adam Kelly, Katie Kelly, Matthew Kelly, Robert Hershey, Joshua Glass, Rachel Dowd and Liam Dowd; and fourteen great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to the ASPCA, PO Box 96929, Washington, DC 20090-6929.

A memorial service will be held at 3pm on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry with a gathering of family and friends one hour prior.

Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Joyce Kelly.