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tree
planted in memory of Frances Middleton Kelly
Obituary for Frances Middleton Kelly
Frances M. Kelly, 91, went home to be with the Lord on March 30, 2023.
Frances was born on February 17, 1932, in Colquitt, Georgia, and moved to Quincy, Florida, in 1949 where she lived out the rest of her life. She married her husband, James Quitman (“J.Q.”) Kelly, on December 17, 1949, and the pair remained married until his death in 1980. Frances and J.Q. were a formidable team who started from scratch to build a successful business career. They began with a local meat market, the Jitney Jungle, before expanding into their foundational business, the Kelly’s Jr. Food convenience stores. Frances and J.Q. owned as many as seven Kelly’s Jr. Food stores at one time, some of which remain open in Quincy today. Along the way, Frances and J.Q. also owned a used car lot, tire store, liquor store, and purchased and maintained several commercial and residential rental properties. Known as a shrewd businesswoman, Frances never backed down from any challenge and stood up for what she believed in. Those who knew her well will lovingly remember how Frances was never afraid to speak her mind, regardless of whether it was what people wanted to hear.
Frances loved her family more than anything else on this earth. Her pride and joy was her son, James Ray (“Jimmy Ray” or “J.R.” or “Doodle Bug”) Kelly. He could do no wrong in her eyes, and she certainly never spoiled him! She loved her daughter-in-law, Colleen, and her three grandchildren, Jarrod, Ryan, and Claire. She was fiercely proud of and never hesitated to express her joy and love for each of them! For the past 26 years, Frances also had a very special companion, Hermis (“Bo”) Everson. They spent many wonderful years together, doing everything as a couple and creating great memories. Bo became a grandfather to her grandchildren, and a cherished member of her family.
Above all, Frances loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She read her Bible and devotional daily. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Quincy for over 70 years, and served and supported the church in many capacities.
Frances was predeceased by her parents, Elijah and Pearl Middleton, her husband, and five brothers and sisters. She is survived by her son, J.R. Kelly (Colleen), her grandchildren Jarrod Kelly, Ryan Kelly (Natasha) and Claire Doyle (Connor), one sister, Sarah Hilburn, and numerous other family members who are too plentiful to count. To say Frances lived a long, fruitful, and blessed life would be an understatement. She touched the hearts and souls of all those she came into contact with, and will be sorely missed!
Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 6, 2023, in the First Baptist Church of Quincy Chapel from 5:00-7:00 pm. On Friday, April 7, 2023, there will be a second viewing at 10:00 am in the First Baptist Church Sanctuary with funeral service at 11:00 am. For anyone wishing to do so, memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Quincy or Big Bend Hospice of Tallahassee.
Charles McClellan Funeral Home, 15 S. Jackson St., Quincy, FL., 850-627-7677.
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