Teresa Talley Kelly, 66, passed away on August 9th after a long courageous battle with ovarian cancer. She was preceded in death by her father, Louis Talley and mother, Lucy Talley of Clarksville, VA. She is survived by her husband, Jeffrey Kelly of The Villages, FL, son Brian Kelly, daughter in law, Kelly Sydney and her beloved granddaughter Addison Kelly who reside in Brookhaven, GA. Teresa and Jeffrey were happily married for 45 years after meeting in high school.
Teresa was born in Norfolk, VA. She earned both bachelor and master’s degrees in early childhood from Old Dominion University. She taught mostly kindergarten during her career in Virginia, North Carolina and Georgia. She had particular interest working with children that did not speak the English language or required additional educational assistance. She served as an adjunct professor at Christopher Newport University in Newport News Virginia in the area of early childhood studies. A fact few knew, she also had a degree in ballet. During healthier times for Teresa, dancing was one of her joys.
Teresa loved to travel in the family RV within the U.S., visiting many national parks and historical sites. She also loved organizing day trips and activities for friends and neighbors. She was very kind and quietly cared for others in many ways. She consistently looked for the special card that would brighten someone’s day. She was focused on others when she could have been easily distracted by the physical challenges of her life. Even as her body was losing its battle with cancer, her deep faith and quiet warrior spirit propelled her to keep on going and giving. Teresa leaves a legacy of love and faith.
