HAMPSTEAD — Charlotte Piver Kelly, formerly of Atkinson and Hampstead, North Carolina, passed away on July 30, 2026, at the age of 82.
Born in Whiteville, NC, on October 2, 1943, Charlotte was the daughter of the late James Warren Piver and Etha Estelle White Piver. In 1947, she and her family moved from Ashe, NC to their farm in Hampstead. She was educated in the Topsail school system and graduated in 1961. In 1982, she married George David Kelly and moved to Atkinson, NC.
Charlotte faced life’s challenges with remarkable courage and grace. She devoted her life to caring for others, generously giving her time, energy, and love to her family, friends, and community.
A committed volunteer, Charlotte served with the Pender County RSVP program, providing respite and companion care to those in need. She was instrumental in expanding the Meals on Wheels program to serve the Atkinson-Currie area and also volunteered with Lower Cape Fear Hospice. In recognition of her thousands of volunteer hours, she received the President’s Volunteer Service Award three times at the Silver and Bronze levels and was honored with the YWCA Cape Fear Women of Achievement Volunteer Award.
Charlotte was a lifelong member of Topsail Presbyterian Church and attended Atkinson Baptist Church. She loved singing in the church choirs, teaching Sunday School, and participating in church life.
She was an active member and leader in numerous civic and social organizations, including the Southern Dames of America, the Goal Club, the Atkinson Order of the Eastern Star, Woodmen of the World, and the Red Hat Society.
Charlotte retired from Corning, Inc. in Wilmington, NC after 22 years of dedicated service.
One of Charlotte’s greatest joys was traveling with her family and friends. Always ready for a new adventure, she explored destinations throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, and England, making lasting friendships wherever she went.
Charlotte is survived by her children, Jacquelyn Ann Batson (Stan Craft), Carmen Kelly Franco (Rod), and Bryan George Kelly (Heather); her grandchildren Livie, Maddie, Molly, Ben, Max, and Colin; her sisters-in-law, Kay Piver and Selma Piver; her brother-in law, John Taylor; her nieces, Christie Streetman (Bert), DeLaine Garcia (Juan), Glenda Labelle, and Luellyn Piver; her nephew, Marshall Taylor (Sharon); several great-nieces and nephews; as well as cousins and many cherished friends.
In addition to her parents, Charlotte was preceded in death by her beloved husband, George David Kelly; her sister, Joan Piver Taylor; her brothers, Judson Piver, Rupert Piver, and Glenn Piver; and her sister-in-law, Ruth Piver.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the organizations that were close to Charlotte’s heart.
- Pender Adult Services, PO Box 1251, Burgaw, NC 28425
- Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401
