JoAnne C. Kelley, 74 years young, passed away to her heavenly reward on Thanksgiving evening November 24, 2022 with her family present and after a long battle with autoimmune/blood disorders. JoAnne is survived by her mother, Ella Robertson Czepiel; brother, Theodore Czepiel; and sister-in-law, Betsy Czepiel; her loving husband, Walter; and daughter, Anne Carr and son-in-law Casey Carr; and wonderful granddaughters, Lauren, Elizabeth, Julia, and bonus granddaughter, Brieanna. Additionally, JoAnne is survived by many sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, aunt, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Born and raised near Springfield, MA, JoAnne graduated from high school and college before joining a new urology practice in town. She was the office administrator for 20 years and managed the integration and conversion from one to four practices.
While living in Massachusetts, JoAnne attended Saint David’s Episcopal Church in Agawam for over 25 years and was an important member serving in numerous capacities. She also became the first Lay Pastoral Care Assistant under Rector Len Cowan. As well, she led numerous Bible studies over the years. With her husband Walter, the couple was an integral part of the music and prayer ministry and spiritual life at Saint David’s.
In Fall, 2001, JoAnne and Walter moved to Chesapeake, VA to be near their daughter Anne and lived in Chesapeake for nine years before relocating to North Carolina for the remainder of her life. JoAnne led a Woman’s Bible study at her current church (Church of the Outer Banks in Nags Head) for 2 years before giving it up to concentrate on her health. JoAnne led people to Christ through Bible studies and made a large impact in many of their lives. She consistently pointed to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as the One to whom all honor and praise be given. JoAnne’s faith was deeply rooted in study, reading, prayer time and fellowship with Jesus Christ – the only Way, the Truth, and the Light.
The joy of the last 15 years for JoAnne has been her three granddaughters. From the moment they were born, rarely were there more than a few days between Grandma and Papa spending time with them. JoAnne has gifted her “girls” with countless memories including knowing the never-ending extent of her love for them.
A Celebration of her Life is set for December 10, 2022, at All Saints Episcopal Church in Southern Shores, NC beginning at 4:30pm EST and will be streamed and available on YouTube after the celebration. Another Celebration of her Life will take place in early January 2023 near Springfield, MA with details forthcoming.
May God bless all who read and hear this and live a life reflecting God’s mercy, grace, and love. Condolences may be shared at gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. was entrusted with arrangements.