Carol Kelly

Carol was born on June 23, 1947, in Titusville, Fla. She passed away on July 7, 2012, in Goodlettsville, Tenn., after a determined battle against pancreatic cancer. She fought as long and hard as she could, but it was a fight that could not be won.

Affectionately self-described as a "fish head," Carol grew up in Destin, Fla., when it was still a small fishing village and mostly undeveloped. She attended elementary and junior high school in Destin. She graduated from Choctawhatchee High School and was the school's Homecoming Queen her senior year of 1965. After graduation she attended the University of Florida and was a member of Delta Gamma Sorority. Though she remained a life-long Gator football fan, she later graduated from Florida State University where she majored in Art History. Her love of history later led to attending graduate school and pursuing a master's degree.

Carol was passionate about many things and developed many interests she avidly pursued throughout her life. She loved cooking and always had clips of recipes she had tried or seen on the Food Network. Reading was a favorite pastime and she read and collected books on many subjects. She also started recycling before it was "cool to be green" and practiced what she preached.

Travel was another interest she developed during her life. She went to Greece and Spain and went salmon fishing in the northwest. All things outdoors appealed to her and mountains, be they Rockies or Smokeys, were as dear to her as her beloved Gulf Of Mexico. In younger days she spent summers working as a hostess in Yellowstone National Park where she made many lifelong friends and soaked up the beauty of the area.

At home she was a devoted gardener, growing ornamental plants, flowers, herbs and vegetables, having once served as president of the Fountain City Garden Club. Feeding and observing birds was a particular pleasure she enjoyed to her final days. She loved to argue politics and generously supported many organizations devoted to advocating and protecting people, animals and nature.

Carol is survived by her daughter, Carli Adams, of Nashville, Tenn. She was predeceased by her parents, Coleman and Mattie Kelly; her brother, Carnera Lee Kelly; and her sister, Cecelia Kelly. Other survivors are a brother, Bernarr Kelly; and a sister, Imogene Kelly as well as a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.

Though never shy about expressing her feelings or opinions, Carol would support you with the same determination she may have opposed you with, if she felt it was deserved. Family was always most dear to her and she never gave up on anyone.

On Wednesday July 25, 2012, the Graveside Services will be held at Destin Memorial Cemetery at 5 p.m. at 108 Stahlman Avenue, Destin, FL 32541. At 5:30 p.m. there is a Memorial/Celebration of Life ceremony at Destin Bay House at 127 Calhoun Avenue, Destin, FL 32541. If you would like to make a donation in Carol's name please donate to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network or The Yellowstone Park Foundation.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at www.emeraldcoastfuneralhome.com.