Sanford,

Marie Kelly 57 of 83 Cherry Berry Lane died on Tuesday, January 02, 2018 at her home.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2018 at 1:00 pm at Faith Temple Pentecostal Church 2301 HB Lewis Road Clinton, NC 28328,

by Pastor Jackie Gunn officiating, burial will be held privately.

Marie Elizabeth Kelly, was born in Dover, New Jersey on June 21, 1960. , of Sanford North Carolina departed this life peacefully at home on Tuesday, January 2, 2018.

She leaves behind to cherish her memories:  parents, William George and Doris Kelly; son, Johnathan Kelly- Washington; daughter, Kyndra Washington; brother, Jesse (Nejla) Parker; sisters, Sheila (Larry) Grice, Jacqueline Kelly, Doris Ann Hicks; a host of nieces and nephews; aunts; Margie Kelly, Denatilus Price, Ida Carr; special friends, Wanda Grant and Cheryl "Sweetie" Jordan; as well as numerous cousins and friends.

Marie moved to Clinton, North Carolina with her family in 1972. She graduated from Clinton High School in 1978.  Soon after, she moved back to New Jersey where she resided for many years.  While there, she worked as an account executive and staffing director for various public institutions and private employment firms.  Upon returning to North Carolina in 2005, she attended Fayetteville State University and was in the final semester for completing her Bachelors of Science in Business Administration.

Marie was an activist and a pillar within her community.  She was also an avid dog lover, compassionately helping and taking in strays. She not only had an eternal love for her family but equally a love for animals--believing we are all God's creation.  Gardening was her favorite hobby and she understood nature's beauty in plants and flowers--nurturing them from seeds to full bloom.  Like the precious flowers and plants, Marie's love and presence has sown a seed that will continue to grow through generations to come.

Marie displayed outstanding patience, understanding and love, even in times of stress, pain, anxiety and heartbreak.  Even while feeling low, she still continued to love, care, provide, and give of herself.  Full of life, strong-willed, with an undeniable sense of humor, Marie enriched all of our lives in so many different ways.

Upon our beloved request, Marie will be cremated.  Her ashes are to be bequeathed to her children.  The family acknowledges with profound appreciation Dr. Victoria Bae-Jump, M.D. (UNC Oncology Chapel Hill, NC); and Liberty Home Care & Hospice (Sanford, NC), for their constant, attentive and loving treatment; Hope Valley Funeral Home and Faith Temple Pentecostal Church for your assistance in the final arrangements; and to all for the prayers and other expressions of love and sympathy during this time of bereavement.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the Humane Society.  They can be made by visiting the website; www.humanesociety.org.