Susan Kelly

A 4th generation Roman, Susan was a 1963 graduate of East Rome High School and attended Shorter College. She was married for 46 years to the late Colin Patrick Kelly, also a native Roman. Colin and Susan were long-time members of Second Avenue Baptist Church of Rome and served on numerous church committees there.

For more than 20 years, Susan raised her two sons serving her community in many volunteer roles. In 1967, Georgia Tech granted her an honorary degree of "Mistress of Patience in Husband Engineering". She was active in several Garden Clubs, Band Booster Organizations, Women’s Missionary Unions, President of the Hospitality House for Women, and many other Church and Civic activities in towns where her husband worked as an engineer for Wrangler Jeans.

In 1987, Susan found her second career, and the one for which she will be most remembered in Northwest Georgia. She earned her real estate license and became a Realtor, making a living for more than 30 years selling, what she called, "cute little houses." Susan was an agent with Davis Realty, Howard Realty, and, for the last twenty years of her career, with Toles, Temple and Wright. Susan served as President of the Greater Rome Board of Realtors and was later recognized by her peers and inducted into the Greater Rome Board of Realtors Hall of Fame.

Susan was the daughter of the late James Ray and Mattie Lou (Vick) Shell. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Joanne Ray Shell, her husband Colin, and her beloved niece Jaime Lynn Kelly, of Orlando, Florida. She is survived by sons and daughters-in-law Patrick Todd and Shawanna G. Kelly of Pendergrass, GA, and James Edward and Holly S. Kelly of Rome; four loving grandchildren Jackson Edward and Brenton James Kelly of Rome, and Katherine (Kate) Kelly of Orlando, Florida, and Preston Patrick Kelly of Johns Creek, GA; her brother- and sister-in-law David W. Kelly and Sharon C. Kelly of Clarks Summit, PA. Nieces Sarah Kelly Persinger (Bryan) and Jessica Kelly Wargo (Matthew) and nephew David Kelly (Giana) also survive, along with their children.

A celebration of Susan’s life will be held Thursday, February 3, 2022, at 2 PM in the Sanctuary of Second Avenue Baptist Church, Rome, GA. A private graveside service will follow the service at East View Cemetery in Rome. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there will not a public viewing.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Charlie Williams Parkinson’s Foundation, The Hospitality House for Women, and Second Avenue Baptist Church. Or, you may make a donation to your favorite charity in her memory.