Erica Denise Kelley

Erica Denise Kelley was born January 31, 1984, to Thomas and Roxanne Kelley in Zanesville, Ohio. Erica passed away July 30, 2023, after a valiant battle against cancer. Erica attended Zanesville City Schools and was active in the Odyssey of the Mind enrichment program in Junior High School. The family relocated to Berea, Ohio, in 1998. Erica attended Berea High School where she played varsity basketball and was awarded several scholarships at graduation. Erica was crowned Miss Berea Grindstone in 2006. She attended Baldwin Wallace College and graduated in 2006 with a degree in education. She was active in the Delta Zeta Sorority during her college years. Erica began her career in education in the Dublin City Schools at Glacier Ridge Elementary School as a primary grade teacher. She earned a master's degree in gifted education from Muskingum University and then served as a gifted intervention specialist for the Dublin Schools at Glacier Ridge Elementary and Olde Sawmill Elementary School. Erica was a lifelong learner and shared her knowledge and enthusiasm for teaching and learning at various workshops and conferences throughout her career. She also served as an adjunct professor in gifted education for Muskingum University. In 2012, she received the Community Champion Award from the Dublin City School District. Her enthusiasm and creative teaching made her a favorite among students and parents. She loved teaching and working with children. It was her life's passion and calling.
Throughout her career, Erica enjoyed traveling, especially her trips to the Bahamas and most recently the Dominican Republic. She was an active, energetic person who was always on the go often traveling to other states including California just to skate and participate in roller skating events.
Throughout her life's journey, Erica was an inspiring example of kindness and empathy.
She adored her family, relatives and friends and loved spending time playing any kind of board games. She and her mother spent many hours playing various creative games.
Erica was a member of the New Covenant Believer's Church and participated by assisting the first lady and serving on other church groups. She especially liked helping her pastor, Bishop Tillman, whenever called upon to do so.
She is survived by her parents, her sister Erin (Dr. Michael) Robinson; grandparents, Marian Kelley, Suffragan Bishop Charles Smith and Evangelist Mildred Smith; three nieces, Alicia, Micah and Emiah Robinson; several aunts, uncles and cousins. She leaves behind a lifetime of warm and beautiful memories that will forever be treasured by family, friends, students, teachers and parents. Her legacy of love, kindness and thoughtfulness will continue to inspire all those whose lives she touched.
Erica was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, Thomas "Felix" Kelley; her aunts, Marian Denise "Nesie" Kelley and Carla Smith; and two treasured childhood friends, Ali Rae Watiker and Joel Martin.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Kateswell and the Glitter Girls Guild. These caring non-profits supported Erica throughout her battle with cancer. The family would also like to thank Dr. Jared Burkhart, Columbus Oncology and the entire team of medical professionals for their compassionate care during her illness.