WILMINGTON — Shirley Jean Faircloth Kelly, 87, passed away on December 27, 2023.
Born on October 11, 1936, Jean was the daughter of the late Clarence and Clara Faircloth.
She graduated from Cradock High School in Portsmouth, Virginia, and attended the Norfolk Division of the College of William and Mary. After marrying William James Kelly, Jean settled into life as a homemaker and community volunteer.
A resident of Wilmington since 1969, Jean was active in the Cape Fear Garden Club and as a volunteer at the area schools her children attended.
She was a strong political volunteer on both the county and state levels. Active in Republican politics, Jean served for two terms as the vice-chairperson of the New Hanover Republican Party, was president of the New Hanover County Republican Women’s Club, and was a representative to the North Carolina Republican Women’s Club.
As a true Anglophile, Jean traveled extensively throughout the British Isles as well as the European continent.
Jean is preceded in death by her husband, Bill.
She is survived by her son, Wiliam James Kelly Jr. (Ellen), daughter, Denise Hutson (Brad), and daughter, Lisa McLemore (Keith). Her grandchildren include Brad Hutson, Kellie Hutson, Liana McLemore Sauls, Holden McLemore, Brittany Vola, Wynne Kelly and Kathryn Kelly. She had several great-grandchildren as well.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Sally and Velma, and brothers-in-law Dan Darden and Edward Pinkston.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC, 28401. A private family service will be held at a later date.
