Kay Elizabeth Kelly

Kay Elizabeth Kelly, 85, passed away unexpectedly following a brief illness on January 11, 2026.

Kay grew up in Cross Keys, working with her parents at Kelly’s Groceries. She spent hours riding her bike and delivering groceries throughout the East Macon community. It was evident from an early age that she would not join the family business and education would be her pursuit. She graduated from A.L. Miller High School in 1958. In 1962, she graduated summa cum laude from Mercer University. Kay then went on to earn a Master’s degree from Emory University in 1968, where she studied English and French, and a Doctorate degree from the University of Georgia in 1981.

Kay spent a short time teaching high school before accepting a professor position teaching English in the Humanities Division at Middle Georgia State University (then called Macon Junior College). She began in 1968 as a charter faculty member and remained there until her retirement. ‘Dr. Kelly’ was a tough but beloved teacher who often said she never felt like she was working when she was in the classroom with her students.

Kay was a lifelong reader, following new authors while never forgetting to leave time for old favorites like Virginia Woolf, Carson McCullers, William Faulkner, and Harper Lee. She relished in the love and sorrow found in great literature. When asked whether she would write her own story, she’d laugh it off, saying she wasn’t a writer. However, her eloquent words and handwritten letters touched those lucky enough to receive them. Kay was a lover of the arts, classical music, and the theater, treating family to The Nutcracker annually.

To use words that might make our old English professor proud, Kay was bifurcated, or perhaps a conundrum. Kay could philosophize with the greatest minds, yet was so unpretentious that many who met her later in life had no idea that she was a retired English professor. Upon first meeting her, she could have a stern exterior. However, her keen observations on the human condition and her warmth would shine through. She gifted family and friends with laughter, wry smiles, and unexpected comments. She loved each of us whole-heartedly (even if we annoyed her from time to time). Above all else, she lived her life as an independent and spirited woman who would keep you on your toes.

Family and ‘roots’ were something Kay treasured. She had many fond memories of time spent on her Uncle Grady and Aunt Myrtie’s farm in Jones County. She was raised as a sister with their son, Sam. Her final months were spent living amongst his daughters on the farm. One of her highly anticipated daily activities was giving treats to Gus the donkey, Morgan the horse, and the cows, who all called to her each time she stepped outside. Kay also cared deeply for the stray cats and dogs taken in during her final years. Her own animals and those throughout the community always waited eagerly for her to give them a treat from her pocket.

Kay is predeceased by her parents, Miles Columbus and Maggie Jones Kelly, her close cousin Sam, and a number of beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins. Kay is survived by her ‘nieces’, Karol, Lisa, and Kristen as well as her favorite girls, Emma Kelly and Sarah Nations, and boy, (Little) Sam Kelly. She is also survived by many Jones and Kelly cousins whom she loved deeply. At the risk of forgetting someone, those left behind to cherish her memory include Bobby, Barbara, Gary, Laura, Vicky, Georgette, Karen, Marilyn, Lisa, Ginny, Kenny, Joan, John, and Andy. Kay also had deep love for all of the Blount Family - but, especially Florine, Carrie, and others who’ve already left us.

The family would like to thank those who cared for and worked with Kay in recent years. The list includes James, Dorothy, Tabetha, Evelyn, Domonique, and Shirley. She loved and appreciated you more than you’ll know.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 18, from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., at the Jones County Chapel of Hart’s Mortuary. Graveside services and burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Jones County Animal Services online or at their office, 1015 Monticello Hwy, in Gray, Georgia.

Please visit www.hartsmort.com to express condolences.

Hart’s Jones County Chapel, Hart's Mortuary and Cremation Center, 307 Pecan Lane, Gray, GA 31032 has charge of the arrangements.