Carol Kelley

1936 - 2025

Carol Craft Kelley passed away peacefully on Monday, October 20, 2025, at the age of 88, at Lenbrook in Atlanta, Georgia.

She was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on November 23, 1936, to Mary Simpson Craft and James Abner Craft.

Carol grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas, along with her younger brother, Bob Craft. She graduated from W. B. Ray High School (fun fact: also attended by Farrah Fawcett!). Carol loved music and dancing. She was fun and outgoing, with numerous friends and beaux.

Carol graduated from Baylor University in three years because she was smart - and, because she was ready to leave Texas and see the world. Being the adventurous girl that she was, Carol decided she wanted to live in New York and become a stewardess. She joined American Airlines as a LaGuardia-based crew member. She loved her time as a stewardess and was proud to receive a medal as a member of the crew of the first American Airlines jet airliner, the Boeing 707, to fly from Los Angeles to New York in record time.

It was during this time that Carol met the love of her life, Austin Patterson Kelley, on a blind date. Always the gentleman, Austin took the subway, round trip, to her apartment in Flushing, Queens, to take her to dinner at P. J. Clarke's in Manhattan on their first date. They were engaged six months later and married six months after that, on June 6, 1959, in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Carol was a gracious and stylish hostess, known for her fabulous dinner parties and wonderful meals. She especially loved introducing her husband and New York friends to Tex-Mex cuisine. In New York, she volunteered with the Junior League of the City of New York and with their church, Brick Presbyterian.

In 1972, Carol and Austin moved with their two daughters, Susan and Carolyn, to Atlanta, Georgia. Carol volunteered with numerous organizations, including the Junior League of Atlanta, First Presbyterian Church, and Pace Academy.

After Austin passed away in 1998, life became very difficult for her. Several years later, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and suffered from it for 13 years.

Carol is preceded in death by her brother, Robert Manson Craft; her husband, Austin Patterson Kelley; and her parents. She leaves to cherish her memory her daughters, Susan Kelley Conger (Mark) and Carolyn Kelley Baugus (Jim). She is also survived by her grandchildren, who were her pride and joy: Elizabeth Austin Conger Folwell (Stephen), George Kelley Conger, Oliver Patterson Baugus, and Bennett Craft Baugus.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Carol's amazing care team at Lenbrook - Wanda Kyle, Abigail Mayo, Kay Mayo, and especially lead caregiver, Brenda Speed. They were by her side, night and day, for 13 very long years. They were sweet, patient, and kind, always prioritizing Carol's dignity and respect.

A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 1328 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA, on Sunday, November 9, at 2:00 p.m. (Please note: the church is under construction. Parking is available across Peachtree in the Lanier lot.) A reception will be held in Fifield Hall following the service.