Mary Elizabeth Kelly's Obituary
Mel (Mary Elizabeth Lytle) Kelly went to be with her late husband at 12:21 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025. Born in Chicago, IL. on April 13, 1940, she married Thomas E. Kelly on Dec. 30, 1961. They had two children, Kimberly (Harold) Reijers, of Carrabelle, and Thomas William (Jenny) Kelly, of Fair Oaks, California.
Mel was a journalist, teacher, a mental health counselor, public relations director and restaurant owner. She was actively involved in each state and community where she lived, holding volunteer leadership positions in chambers of commerce, on school boards, zoning and planning commissions, multistate marketing and tourism councils, environmental and professional associations. Early in her careers, she was selected as “Citizen of the Year” for her work in La Grange, IL Most recently, she proudly served as mayor of Carrabelle, volunteered with the Carrabelle History Museum and wrote articles for the Carrabelle Times and Tallahassee Democrat.
She is also survived by a sister, Christine (Gordon) Wood, Overland Park, Kansas; nieces and nephews and their families; cousins and many cherished friends.
An open house will be held 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, at 1306 Owens Drive in Carrabelle.
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