Emily Bowen Kelly went to be with her LORD and SAVIOR on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016. Emily was born to Howard Wiswall Bowen and Hilda Robbins Bowen on Feb. 26, 1932 in Istanbul, Turkey. Emily lived in Izmir, Turkey with her parents and sister Mary Howard and was homeschooled until she was 6. Her family then moved to Washington, N.C. and later to New York, NY, where she attended local schools until her father died in February of 1946. In 1946, Emily and her family returned to Washington where she attended and graduated from Washington High School. In 1951, Emily made her debut at Terpsichorean Debutant ball in Raleigh, N.C. She graduated from Women’s College, now UNCG, in Greensboro, N.C. with a BA degree in Art Education in 1954. Much later in her life, Emily received a MFA degree from San Jose State. Emily was always a teacher at heart and she taught art in Charlotte City Schools and Raleigh City Schools. She also taught 3rd grade in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and in Foster City, California.

Emily served in Special Service Forces from 1958-1960 in Germany. In 1964, she married David Milton Kelly on Dec. 21st . Emily and Dave lived in Charlotte, N.C., Pennsylvania, and California before returning to Washington in 1988.

Upon returning to Washington, Emily and Dave were members of First Presbyterian Church where Emily was an elder, a Sunday School teacher, a Circle leader and a 3rd grade teacher in the Logos program. In the Logos program, Emily led many of her students to faith in Jesus Christ. She was also awarded the LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP PIN by the women of 1st Presbyterian Church.

Emily loved people, the arts, animals especially cats, classical music, reading and her family but not necessarily in that order. She was a friend to all but especially the downtrodden. She was friendly and outgoing, and funny with an uncontrollable laugh. Emily’s greatest passion was prayer. She and various members of her church would pray weekly for their church, their families, our nation and the world.

She is survived by her husband Dave of almost 52 years, her beloved stepchildren Patricia K. Luzar, Linda K. Rogaczewski, and Michael David Kelly. Also surviving are her sisters Mary Howard Blount and brother-in-law John Gray Blount and Josephine Bowen Paul and brother-in-law I.B. Paul, as well as 6 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, 4 nieces, 1 nephew, and numerous great nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her mother, father and 2 brothers-in-law.

A memorial service for Emily Bowen Kelly will be held on Monday, October 31^st at 11:00 am at the First Presbyterian Church, Gladden Street, Washington, with visitation immediately following.

The family of Emily Bowen Kelly would like to thank the management and staff of Autumnfield for their kindness, love and support for Emily and our family through the years.

Memorials may be made to the Betsy Bailey Nelson Animal Shelter c/o 3931 Hwy 264 E., Washington, NC 27889 or to the charity of your choice. Friends may send online condolences by visiting www.jimmysawyerfdl.com. Jimmy D. Sawyer Funeral Director Licensee is serving the Kelly family.