Mary Jane Kelly
Mary Jane Kelly quietly passed away on June 10, 2024, in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Mary was born on Oct. 10, 1941, in Iowa City, Iowa, the fourth daughter of O.W. and Nell Fansler. She spent most of her childhood in Kingsville, Texas where she discovered her love of music as a clarinet player in her high school marching band.
After graduating high school, Mary moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where she attended Coe College while working at Merchants Bank. She met Jim Kelly in Cedar Rapids, where they were married. Mary and Jim had two daughters, Dawn and Daneen. In 1973, the family moved to Chattanooga, where she remained a member of the community until her passing.
Mary worked for Ethan Allen as a design consultant where she discovered her talent and passion for interior design and decided to pursue this passion by starting her own business - Marjon Interiors.
She was a member of Hickory Valley Christian Church, where she sang in the choir and was very involved with the youth programs. Her other passions included playing Bridge, reading, dancing, spending time with her grandchildren, and music – which she passed her love of music to her daughters. Mary also loved the holidays and always brought her homemade desserts and quick wit…. and Birthday’s included a call to sing the “Happy Birthday” song. She was actively involved in supporting her grandchildren’s activities throughout their childhood years. Family was first with Mary, and she will be missed by those she leaves behind.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Barbara Nichols and Betty Alexander.
She leaves behind her daughters, Dawn (Bob) Bullard of Chattanooga, and Daneen (Dave) Hacklander of Blue Earth, Mn., her grandchildren, Jonathon (Bailey) Bullard, Chad Bullard, Chase (Allison) Bullard of Chattanooga, Nicholas Bullard of Santa Monica, Ca., Gage Silker of Steamboat Rock, Iowa, and Brandon (Becky) Silker of Nevada, Iowa, and eight great-grandchildren. She is also survived by two sisters, JoAnn (Jim) Lukasko of Edgar, Wi., and Doris (Hank) Asmussen of Fountain Valley, Ca.
A small private family service is being planned. In lieu of flowers, please direct any contributions to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory, and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, Tn. 37343.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com