Pam Kelly

Pam Kelly of Mesquite, Texas, died on January 11 after a courageous battle with cancer at age 70, with her family by her bedside. She was an exceptional homemaker and proud military wife. She was born on October 19, 1948, in Dallas, Texas. Pam graduated from Bishop Lynch High School as a member of the school’s first class of students in 1966, and later attended college at Our Lady of the Lake College in San Antonio, Texas. It was in San Antonio where she met the love of her life and husband, Ed Kelly. Pam and Ed married on December 21, 1968, and raised three children together—Mary Margaret, Ryan and Tim. Pam made over 20 houses into homes, both stateside and abroad, and embraced the responsibilities of being an army wife.

As a military wife, Pam and her family were afforded the opportunity to explore the world and lived in several states including TX, NY, VA, PA, LA, OK, FL, and also overseas in England and Germany. While living abroad, Pam ensured that her family took advantage of international travel and explored foreign cultures. Whether it was caravanning to a historic German castle or skiing down the Alps, the Kelly family was always immersed in experiences. It was while living in Germany that her children learned to ski, but it’s no secret that Pam was not a fan of heights, so she opted to spend the family ski vacations in the lodge enjoying piping hot drinks and soaking up the scenic views.

When Pam’s husband Ed retired from the Army in 1994, the Kelly’s returned to Texas to be closer to family. Ed tragically passed away from cancer in September 2011, and Pam was fortunate to be surrounded by her children and grandchildren during this unexpected loss. Pam was a talented cook, quilter and card-maker, and was also a beloved “Nana”. She preferred traditional mail to texting and email, and hand-crafted greeting and holiday cards that were worthy of the Hallmark store shelves. She was a talented cook who poured her heart into her food, and was happiest around the holidays, in the company and comfort of her beloved children and grandchildren.

Pam is survived by her daughter Mary Margaret Rhodes, her sons Ryan Kelly and Tim Kelly, her sisters Penny Cooper, Deb Haney, Krista Fuller and Tracey Goh, her brothers Mark Cooper, Stephen Cooper, David Cooper, Billy Wayne Garrett, Larry Garrett, Sam Garrett and Scott Garrett, and her five grandchildren.

Visitation will be at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home on January 21 from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the chapel at Sparkman/Hillcrest on January 22 at 11:00 a.m. and the burial will follow at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Pam’s name to the Faith Presbyterian Hospice Caring Fund.