WILMINGTON — Josephine DeVane Kelly, 87, of Wilmington, passed from her earthly life on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
She was born on September 20, 1938, in Bladen County, to the late Jonathan DeVane and the late Estelle DeVane.
Josephine was a Godly, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, who cared deeply for her family. She was a kind and giving person who loved everyone she met.
Josephine is survived by her beloved husband of 70 years, John Vance Kelly; her daughter, Sandra Kelly Barton, and her husband Sam; her daughter in law, Cheryl Ann Kelly, her grandchildren, Jason Kelly and his wife, Amanda; Damion Hancock and his wife, Erin, Brittany Peterson and her husband, Keith, Skylar Barton; and her great grandchildren, Brandon Kelly and his fiancée, Hanna; Drew Kelly, JoJo Hancock, and Addy Peterson.
In addition to her parents, Josephine was also preceded in death by her son, Elmer Darrell Kelly; her brothers, T.J. DeVane, Durwood DeVane, Wesley Devane, Doug DeVane; her sisters, Vera Smith, Carolyn Hardee, and Baby Virginia DeVane.
Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family here.
God’s Flower Garden
God looked around his garden
and found an empty space.
Then He looked down upon the earth
and saw your loving face.
He put His arms around you
and lifted you to rest.
God’s garden must be beautiful,
for He only takes the best.
