JOHNSON CITY - Susan Elaine Sholes Kelly, age 77, of Johnson City, TN, passed away on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at the Johnson City Medical Center. She was born in Pearisburg, Virginia, the daughter of the late Dr. Dillard M. Sholes and Mattie Lou Edwards Sholes. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one infant son, Michael Jeffery Kelly; two brothers and sister-in-law, Dr. William M. Sholes and wife Joyceline and Phillip C. Sholes.
Susan was a graduate of University School and earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees from East Tennessee State University. On July 18, 1964 she married the love of her life Dr. Kenneth R. Kelly, D.D.S. in Elizabethton, Tennessee. She loved working with flowers, farming, and especially riding and showing horses. She was a member of Slagle's Community Church. Susan was a very loving, generous, and strong lady who will be missed by many.
She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Dr. Kenneth R. Kelly, D.D.S.; two sons, Kenneth Raymond Kelly, Jr. and wife Wendy, and Stephen "Patrick" Kelly and wife Rebecca; nine grandchildren, Samuel Kelly and wife Alexis, Max Kelly and wife Cheyenne, Brandon Kelly, Reagan Kelly, Mattie Kelly, Abigail Kelly, Connor Kelly, Elizabeth Kelly, and Oliver Kelly; four brothers and sisters-in-law, Dillard M. Sholes, III and wife Shirlene, Dr. Christopher W. Sholes and wife Laura, Dr. Thomas E. Sholes and wife Diane, and Keith E. Sholes and wife Laura; and several nieces and nephews.
Per Mrs. Kelly's request, a private family Celebration of Life will be held in the Monte Vista Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Mike Berry officiating.
The family would like to extend their thanks to the staff of Ballad Health Cancer Center and Johnson City Medical Center for all the love and care that was shown.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to University Advancement at ETSU Dillard and Mattie Sholes Lectureship #684110, Box 70721, Johnson City, TN 37614.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the Kelly family by visiting www.montevistafunerals.com.
Arrangements for Mrs. Susan Elaine Sholes Kelly and her family have been made through Monte Vista Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 1900 E. Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, TN; 423-282-2631.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Monte Vista Funeral Home & Memorial Park.
2 Entries
Margie & Donnie Shealy
June 9, 2023
Many years ago I worked for Susan and Dr. Kelly and considered them and their children friends. It saddens me to hear of her passing and I know she will be missed by so many people as she made many friends throughout her life. I will be praying now and in the days ahead for peace and comfort.
Debbie McNeill
June 9, 2023
Dr Kelly, it´s Debbie McNeill.. your problem dental pt. For many years! I´m so sorry to hear about your loss!
Susan was a doll and your love for one another evident.
I will be praying for your comfort and for that of your family.
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results
Funeral services provided by:
Monte Vista Funeral Home & Memorial Park1900 E. Oakland Ave, Johnson City, TN 37601
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreYou may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read moreThese free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read moreSome basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more