Elizabeth Jane Kelly

1974 - 2021

Elizabeth Jane Kelly
March 4, 1974 - November 9, 2021
Raleigh, North Carolina - Mrs. Elizabeth Jane Hudson Kelly, 47, of Raleigh went to her Lord on Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill. She fought with unwavering determination to resume daily life with her family after suffering a devastating brain injury. Although her body fell after a fourteen-month-long battle, her spirit lives on.
She was born March 4, 1974 in Rutherford County to the late Ralph A. and Mildred Gilbert Hudson. Jane graduated from R-S Central High School in 1992. She attended Salem College where she received a Bachelor of Science in Biology and North Carolina State University where she received a Master of Science in Nutrition. She devoted her time and energy to the research department at the UNC Cystic Fibrosis Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina until putting her career on hold to be a full-time, stay-at-home mommy.
Left to treasure her memory are her husband of 13 years, Jason Kelly, and their three children, Madeline, Connor, and Sarah. Also surviving are three brothers, Mark Hudson (Kayla) of Sylva, NC; Paul Hudson (Jan) of Forest City, NC; and Timothy Hudson (Jill) of Greer, SC. Other survivors include nieces and nephews, Kaitlyn Hudson, Hannah Hudson, Zachary Hudson and Matthew Hudson, a great niece and nephew, along with many other extended family members.
Jane was a faithful daughter, sister, wife, aunt, mommy, and friend. She lavished love and time on her family and created a wealth of memories while travelling, sharing special meals, playing practical jokes, having kitchen dance parties, playing "Moo Cow Tag" in the back yard, and delivering fantastic cake creations that more than fulfilled her children's imaginative birthday requests. Jane's kind heart, quick wit, infectious laughter, decisiveness, tenacity, unshakable devotion, and "Mama Bear" spirit will be missed. Her family will reflect on sweet memories and rejoice in knowing they will see her again.
She was an active member of Bay Leaf Baptist Church. A follower of Christ, she acknowledged that God is in control. Her testimony reflects a favorite passage, Philippians 4:11-13. She single-mindedly pursued goals and credited Him with her triumphs. In hardship, she took comfort in knowing that "God has a plan."
A Celebration of Life service was held on Thursday, November 18 at Bay Leaf Baptist Church. Her physical remains were laid to rest in the church cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to Jane's Journey at 8311 Brier Creek Pkwy Suite 105-213 Raleigh, NC 27617. Jane's Journey is a North Carolina nonprofit corporation in the process of applying for 501(c)(3) status.