Joyce Ann Kelly

Joyce Ann Kelly went to be with her Lord Jesus and join her beloved parents on Monday, August 19, 2024. She was almost 83. Joyce was born in Ironton, Ohio, on August 29, 1941, to Lester and Elsie Kelly. She joined two older sisters and was later joined by two younger siblings. Joyce began working for Ashland Oil Company at age 18, soon after graduating from high school. She worked for Ashland as a corporate secretary until she retired after 44 years. At the time, she was the second-longest tenured employee of the company. She never married and had no children of her own, but she spent many hours loving on her nine nieces and nephews. She lived most of her adult life in Lexington, Kentucky, where she owned her own home and had many friends including Judy Workman Whitlock, who was like another sister. Prior to moving to Lexington, she had worked in Ashland, KY, and Columbus, OH. She spent much of her vacation time visiting her sisters and their children. Joyce loved to read (especially romance novels) and loved to shop, and she especially enjoyed ice cream. She was an avid Cincinnati Reds fan, especially of catcher Johnny Bench. Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Lester A. Kelly and Elsie Travis Kelly; by a sister, Carol Jean Kelly Walters (Jerry); and by a brother, Lester F. (“Buck”) Kelly. She is survived by her sister Joan Kelly Hunt (Bernard – deceased) of Lafayette, Indiana, and her sister, Barbara Judith “Judy” Kelly Shay (Jim) of Tampa, Florida, as well as nine nieces and nephews. Those are: Terri Kay Walters Hall (Matt) of FL; J. Kevin Walters (Jane) of GA; Kathi Walters Ormsbee (Dave) of FL; Kelly Hunt Blanchard (Scott) of IN; Jack Hunt (Julie) of IN; Tina Walters Taylor (“Cricket”) of TX; Amy Shay Fulmer (John) of FL; Kristopher Walters of FL; and Joy Shay Baber (Scott) of TX. In addition, she is survived by 20 great nieces and nephews and 10 great-great nieces and nephews. Joyce will be buried at Highland Memorial Gardens in southern Ohio close to her parents, sister, brother, and an infant niece. A graveside service will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at Highland Memorial Gardens. Flowers can be sent to Phillips Funeral Home, 1004 South 7th Street, Ironton, OH 45638. Kelly Barber of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the family with their arrangements.

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Joyce Ann Kelly

August 29, 1941 - August 19, 2024