Janet Alice McLaughlin Kelly was born December 11, 1934, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the daughter of Jennie Lindman McLaughlin and Harold R. McLaughlin, both of whom preceded her in death as did her brother, Harold, Jr. Janet graduated from Mercer University where she was a member of Chi Omega Fraternity. She later served as an alumna member of the Mercer Board of Trustees. She was a resident of Macon for over sixty years, and a member of Northminster Presbyterian Church. In 1957 she married Gene McKenzie Kelly of Augusta with whom she celebrated 65 years of marriage before his passing on June 23, 2022.
Janet lived her life in gratitude for her faith, her family, and her friends. Her primary love was her family. She encouraged and supported them throughout their lives by celebrating milestones, showing genuine interest in their activities, often by clipping and sending articles and attending events, and expressing concern and care during the hard times. Behind the scenes, in their own quiet way, she and Gene extended their love, encouragement, and care to a fold of friends with cards, meals, transportation, and with their presence. She and Gene loved the arts and were faithful supporters of local events.
She is survived by her son, Gene M. Kelly, Jr. and his wife, Peggy, of Atlanta; and their daughter, Margaret and husband, Sam Krhut, of Nashville; son, Alex, of Mobile; her daughter in Macon, Tricia Cantwell and husband, Terry; Tricia’s sons; McKenzie Clayton and wife, Amanda, of Huntsville, Harris Clayton and wife, Natalie of Atlanta, and Morgan Clayton and wife, Mallory; and their two children; Scarlett and Bennett, of Birmingham; and her daughter, Marion Tims and husband, Mickey, of Canton, Georgia; and their two daughters; Janet, of Canton, and Kelly of Athens, GA. Janet also leaves behind her sister, Susan McLaughlin, of Murfreesboro, TN; and sister-in-law, Gwenn McLaughlin, of Chattanooga; plus many special nieces; nephews; and cousins including those in Sweden. She will be remembered by her beloved Japanese and Italian friends as well as friends throughout the United States.
Her family would like to thank the entire staff of Carlyle Place and Harrington House, who along with Doris Prater, Alice Densley, and Thelma Mallory, have been outstanding in their care for Janet.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 16, 2022 at Northminster Presbyterian Church, 565 Wimbish Road. Masks will be required. The family will greet friends following the service at the Church. In lieu of flowers, please make any memorial gifts to Loaves & Fishes Ministry of Macon (lovesandfishesministry.org) or Thornwell Home for Children (thornwell.org).
Visit www.snowsmacon.com to express tributes.
Snow’s Memorial Chapel Bass Road has charge of the arrangements.
