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Susan Elaine Sholes Kelly, 77, of Johnson City, Tenn., passed away on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at Johnson City Medical Center. She was born in Pearisburg, Va., 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 a 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, Tenn. 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.