Rose Mary McKelvey, 88, passed away in Athens, Georgia on Sunday, August 21st with her loving husband of 67 years, Dr. Thomas H. McKelvey, and her family by her side. A visitation will be held Friday, August 26th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Hart’s at the Cupola in Macon, Georgia. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 27 at 10:00 a.m. at Riverside Cemetery (North Gate) on Riverside Drive in Macon with Father William McIntyre officiating.
Born in Greenwood, Mississippi, Rose Mary was the youngest daughter of George and Rose Fanguy. In 1960, she moved to Macon with her husband, Tom, where he practiced dentistry for 42 years.
The proud mother of six, Rose Mary reentered college in 1977 when her youngest child began first grade. At the age of 42, she completed her A.B. in English at Macon’s Wesleyan College. Rose Mary went on to become Wesleyan’s Executive Director of Institutional Advancement and the editor of the Wesleyan Magazine. After seven years, she left Wesleyan to become Executive Director of the Museum of Aviation Foundation at Robins Air Force Base, where she helped raise millions of dollars to build and support the museum’s expansion and operations.
Throughout her life in Macon, Rose Mary was a tireless supporter of the community, serving on the boards of many non-profit and charitable organizations, including the Junior League of Macon, Museum of Arts and Sciences, Macon Nursery Schools, and Volunteer Macon. She was also a longtime member of the Macon Writer’s Club and the History Club.
Rose Mary is survived by her husband; six children, Greg McKelvey (Starr) of Mobile, Kevin McKelvey (John) of St. Petersburg, Ellen Gaddo (Randy) of Athens, GA, Erin Guillebeau (Paul) of Athens, Anna Gagnon (George) of Greenville, Ryan “Boo” McKelvey (Rebecca) of Forsyth; 11 grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Museum of Aviation Foundation https://shop.museumofaviation.org/collections/memorial-gift
Hart’s at the Cupola, 6324 Peake Road, Macon, GA 31210 has charge of arrangements.
Hart's Mortuary at the Cupola
Riverside Cemetery
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