Jean Kelly

Jean Kelly, 80, of Independence, MO passed away Saturday, May 10, 2014. A visitation will be held from 6:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday, May 15th at Speaks Suburban Chapel. A service will follow at 7:00 p.m. at the chapel. Burial will be at 12:45 pm Friday, May 16th at Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, MO.
Jean was born April 14, 1934 in London, England; raised by William and Rose Feltham, along with her sisters, Maureen and Margaret and step brother William junior. She married Thurman Allen Kelly and together they adopted two children. Jean was a devoted homemaker who loved caring for children. Later she earned a cosmetology license and cut hair for family and friends. She was especially crafty and enjoyed sewing, as well as knitting items to donate to charity. She and Thurman loved entertaining and were a very popular couple with many close friends. Following Thurman’s death Jean eventually met Al Helms and enjoyed a second brief but loving marriage. Jean lived in multiple states including Illinois and Florida. Lately, she enjoyed being closer to family and her friends at Remington Villas. She is remembered for keeping an immaculate house, her generosity, and her love for her family.
Jean is survived by son, Lee Kelly and wife Elise of Independence, MO; grandchildren, Thurman Joseph “T.J.” and Flynn Elizabeth Kelly; sister Margaret Messerli; niece, “Kitty K” Kelly of Shelton, WA; nephew, Ralph Kelly of Tulsa, OK; nephew, Robert Feltham and wife Caroline of England as well as their children Amy and Lucy; and numerous relations by her second husband, the Helmes family. Jean’s “spiritual” home was England and she made several visits after moving to the USA over 50 years ago. Her loving nephew Robert remained very close to his Aunt and still lives with his family in Bristol, the City where Jean spent move of her childhood years. Robert said “Auntie Jean was much loved, a lady full of fun and so close that I actually joined her and Uncle Thurman on their honeymoon as a small and very mischievous child. We will all miss her very much.” Jean was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Maureen Feltham who was Robert’s mother; and husband’s, Thurman Kelly and Al Helmes. The family encourages contributions to www.fisherhouse.org in her memory. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel 816-373-3600)