Clara Mae Kelly

Clara Mae Kelly of Cartersville passed away at her home on 43 Ridgeview Drive surrounded by her loved ones on Friday, Nov. 24. She will be greatly missed by all who loved her, but the promise of eternal life in Christ gives peace.

Clara Mae was born June 14, 1934 in Carrollton, Georgia. She was married to Chandler Kelly in 1951, and they enjoyed 70 years of marriage before Chandler’s passing in 2022.

She is preceded in death by her parents; Joseph Lelton Proctor and Annie Mae Hammond Proctor;  her devoted husband Chandler Kelly; siblings Chester Proctor (Ruthie), Lester Proctor (Myrtle), Robert Proctor, and J.L. Proctor, and Velma Proctor Crumbley (Carl). Also preceding her in death is her beloved grandson, Logan Kelly and infant great-grandson Micah Kelly.

Clara is survived by her children: Rick Kelly (Pat) of Carlton, GA; Ginger Kelly Griffis (Ken) of Mesquite, TX; Jim Kelly (Tammy) of Rydal, GA; and Nat Kelly (Tonya) of Cartersville. Also surviving are seven grandchildren: Kelly Gilbert, Amy McDaniel, Eric Kelly, Scott Griffis, Sarah Doddo, Mason Kelly, and Emily Kelly. Clara was blessed with twenty-five great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Along with these immediate survivors, there are many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will mourn her passing.

Clara was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ since her youth and was a member of the Rowland Springs Baptist Church since 2005. Prior to that, Clara and Chandler’s family were part of the First Congregational Methodist Church on Douglas Street in Cartersville since the late 1940s.  Clara was known to many for her kindness and compassion in serving her family and others. She exemplified the Proverbs 31 woman in every aspect - working diligently to meet the needs of those around her. Even in the last few months of her life—burdened by dementia— she was concerned that she needed to take care of those she loved.

Clara was known for her green thumb, and her backyard garden was a testament to that. As long as her health allowed, she spent hours planting and tending her backyard flower garden. Clara was also locally famous for her Thanksgiving dressing recipe, often providing this dish for others’ holiday meals and gatherings. Most of all, Clara loved her family and invested much time and love in the lives of her children and grandchildren. 

The family will receive visitors on Monday, Nov. 27, between 4-7 pm at the Rowland Springs Baptist Church in Cartersville. Funeral services will be held at the church on Tuesday, Nov. 28 at 11 am with interment following at Oak Hill Cemetery. Pastor Joe Ringwalt of Rowland Springs Baptist will conduct the funeral service.

Pallbearers are grandsons Matt McDaniel, Scott Griffis, Mason Kelly, Tyler Knight, Marcus Doddo and Roye Glass.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made in Clara’s name to Cartersville  hospice care center of Amedisys. https://www.amedisys.com/about/foundation/

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