Leatha Patton Kelley Tripp

Leatha Patton Kelley Tripp, 87, of Marion, went to be with the Lord on Friday, August 22, 2025 with her family by her side. Born on March 26, 1938 in Morganton, NC to the late Horace Graham Patton and Florence Ellen Reed Patton, she was a devoted mother and loving nana. She was a faithful member of the Church of Christ and attended the Marion and Rutherford congregations. She enjoyed teaching ladies’ and children’s Bible classes. Her love for the Lord was unmatched.

Leatha was a graduate of David Lipscomb University where she received her degree in high school education. She taught for 40 years at Nebo High School and McDowell High School where she impacted the lives of countless students. During her teaching career, she taught Health and PE, Bible as Literature, French, English, and Yearbook. She loved attending Nebo High School reunions with her former students. She also taught English at the North Carolina School of Biblical Studies in Clemmons, North Carolina.

Leatha enjoyed spending time preserving fruits and vegetables, sewing, and working with her flower gardens. She enjoyed day trips and loved shopping sales, especially at Belk and B&BW. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren and always had time to listen and give you support no matter what you faced. She loved unconditionally. Holiday baking and Christmas were some of her favorite times of the year where all her family gathered to celebrate.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by four siblings, Horace Patton, Helen Patton Edgins, Dorothy Patton Grigg, and Robert Patton.

Those left to cherish her memory are her four children, Kathy Cabe (Tim), Karen Hughes (Randall), Alton Kelley, Jr. (April), and Kendall Waugh (Darren); their father, Alton Kelley, Sr.; thirteen grandchildren, Timberly Cabe (Dan), Kaitlyn Stephens (TJ), Randa Hughes (Dallas), Tristan Cox (Toby), Ryan Hughes, Tyler Walker (Megan), Alton Kelley, III, Ada Kelley, Reagan Spearman (Tre), Mackenzie Waugh, Reid Waugh, Oliver Waugh, and Kelly Walker (Michael); ten great-grandchildren, Jace, Alex, Cole, Creasman, Kaidence, Waylon, Cali Mae, Ivy Rayne, Callahan, and Ellie; five brothers, John Patton (Debbie), James Patton (Mary Jane), Paul Patton (Donna), Kenneth Patton (Jean), and Steve Patton (Carolyn); sister-in-law, Delores Patton; brothers-in-law, Jimmy Edgins and Carmie Grigg; and special caregivers, Neydi and Empera Fuentes.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, August 24, 2025 from 5:00 until 6:30 p.m. at the Beam Celebration Center. The funeral service will follow at 6:30 p.m. with Minister Jim Hobbs officiating. Those attending are encouraged to wear colorful attire to celebrate her life. Interment will be held privately at McDowell Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a scholarship for future educators in her memory. Donations may be made payable to: Leatha Kelley Educator Fund

Send to:

McDowell High School

C/O Kendall Waugh

600 McDowell High Drive

Marion, NC 28752