Jane Banner Kelly

JANE BANNER KELLY, died Sunday, February 5 surrounded by her family after many years of declining health. Her life will be celebrated on February 11, 3PM at West Market Street Methodist Church with Rev. Pam Strader officiating. The family will receive friends in the gathering space of the church following the service.

Born in Greensboro, Sept 8, 1928, she was the daughter of Dr. Allan C. Banner, MD and Marian Boren. She graduated from Greensboro High School, attended Mary Baldwin College and graduated from Women’s College (UNCG) with a degree in Arts Education. She married Robert Murdock Kelly in 1950 and was an astounding mother to 4 children. Vibrantly creative, she expressed her talents through watercolor, printmaking, photography, jewelry making, sewing, puppetry and knitting. She was an early board member of the Greensboro Arts Council and a lifelong member of West Market Street United Methodist Church, she was also active in the Greensboro Junior League, every PTA she encountered, the Antaeus Food Co-op, the Greensboro Study Club and the Greensboro Garden Club. She actively supported and enabled her children’s many musical and artistic endeavors.

Until recently she never went six months without a cat.

A onetime manager of the Greensboro Bargain Box, she was a masterful QVC shopper and a wicked card and Scrabble player. She enjoyed a large circle of friends from childhood through adulthood, celebrating every New Year’s Eve with members of this beloved group for over sixty years.

She treasured her time as the owner of the Inn at Bingham School, a National Historic Registry property that she and Bob lovingly restored. The pair offered the finest Southern hospitality, made possible by Jane's skills as a talented, creative chef. The Inn was recognized by NC Preservation for their outstanding work. Her family has indelible and epic memories of Christmases at the Inn.

She was predeceased by her parents and spouse as well as her son, Jack Kelly, her brother, Allan C. Banner and her stepfather, Gray Hicks.

She is survived by her sons Robert M. Kelly Jr (Kristy Jackson), Patrick B Kelly (Clara) and her daughter Martha K Herbolich (Stephen) daughter in law Lauren Smith – all of Greensboro, stepsister Sallie Gray Holt of Chattanooga and sister in law Suzanne C. Banner, as well as grandsons Ezra Kelly (Karen) Joseph Kelly (Camrin) Frank Kelly (Darby) and Aidan Herbolich, step grandsons Justin Jackson (Katherine) Brian Jackson, 5 great grandchildren (Elise, Patrick, Seamus, Beau and Jane) and 1 step great grandchild (Wilder)

In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions to Hirsch Wellness, Weatherspoon Gallery or the charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be made at www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com. Hanes-Lineberry N. Elm chapel is assisting the family.