Gwendolyn Kelly

Gwendolyn “Gwynn” Kelly was often described as strong willed and always ready to share her opinion on any topic. But she was also a caring and loving wife and mother, who lived each day thinking only of her family.

Pocahontas, Tennessee is a small community located in the southwest part of the state. In 1919, it was the home of Thomas and Nancy (White) Dowty and their seven children. One of these was their daughter, Gwynn, born on September 10, 1919 in Pocahontas. Sadly, Gwynn’s parents died when she was young and she was raised by her sisters, Ruby & Maggie. As time went on, Gwynn met a gentleman named Raymond Kelly and they were married on November 12, 1944 in Hernando, Mississippi.

One of Gwynn’s brothers was living in Michigan and in 1952, Gwynn and Raymond moved to Michigan in the Climax-Scotts area, hoping for a better way of life. When their daughter Robyn came into their lives, Gwynn & Raymond knew their prayers had been answered. Gwynn loved being a mother and loved spending each day with her precious daughter. Cooking was a specialty and each delicious dish always carried a little of that special southern love that Gwynn shared. When the meal was roast beef, with mashed potatoes and gravy, you knew you were in for a real treat. Family vacations were usually trips back to Tennessee to see members of Gwynn & Raymond's family.

In 1990, Gwynn and Raymond moved to Hearthside Apartments on Currier Drive in Portage. Here they made many friends and found activities to keep themselves busy. Tragedy struck when Gwynn’s beloved Raymond died in 1991. It was a difficult time for Gwynn but she had her daughter, son-in-law and grandson to care for her. After Raymond’s death, Gwynn made a memorable trip to Washington, D.C. to see the World War II Memorial. Raymond’s name is listed and it was a very tender and meaningful moment for her.

For the past few years, Gwynn had been bothered by health problems and the onset of dementia. So that she could receive the care she needed, Gwynn moved to Tendercare in Portage. She found eternal peace on February 9, 2008.

Gwyndolyn Kelly was a member of the First Baptist Church of Portage, and a life member of Lotus Lily United #262 Order of the Eastern Star. She lived her life for her daughter Robyn,grandson Stacy Evans, and her son-in-law Thomas Burton.

Surviving her is a daughter and son-in-law Robyn and Thomas Burton, and a grandson Stacy Evans and several nieces and nephews. Her 4 sisters and 3 brothers preceded her in death. Funeral services will be held at 11 am Thursday at the Life Story Funeral Home, Portage, 5975 Lovers Lane. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services. Please visit Gwynn’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a favorite memory or photo, sign her memory book online before coming to the funeral home or make a memorial donation.