Clara L. Kelly, 95, of Pensacola, FL passed away Wednesday, May 29, 2024, after a lengthy illness.

Clara was born to Mose and Mellie Leonard on August 13, 1928. She was one of 12 children. She grew up in Florala, AL where she met the love of life, James Kelly. After living for a short time in south Florida, Clara and James moved to Pensacola. James worked for St. Regis Paper Mill in Cantonment. Clara raised their two children. In the early 70's she went to work part time with Sears in the Catalog Department where she worked many years until retirement. Clara's husband passed away, May 3, 2004. Clara and James were both long time members of Burgess Road Baptist Church.

Clara is preceded in death by her parents, Mose and Mellie; husband, James Edward Kelly, Sr.; brothers, James Leonard, Alex Leonard, Lewis Leonard, Floyd Leonard, and Jack Leonard; sisters, Addie Redmond, Allie Kate Cattrett, Agnes Hogue, Lissie Mae Rhodes, Jewel Wise, and Lillie Mae Pridegeon.

She is survived by her son, James Edward Kelly, Jr.; daughter, Kay Mitchell (Rickey); grandchildren, Rick Mitchell (Shelly), Kelli Dunaway (Joey), Ryan Mitchell, James Edward Kelly, III and Jennifer Kelly; great grandchildren, Jordyn Dunaway, Lillie Mitchell, Haedyn Dunaway and Lanie Mitchell as well as many nieces and nephews whom she loved so dearly.

Visitation will be held from 1:00pm until a funeral service begins at 2:00pm on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel, with Pastor Mark Cooley officiating. Interment will follow at Bayview Memorial Park.

A special thanks to her caregivers and staff at Emerald Coast Hospice, especially Evelyn Fields, Mary Clemmons, RN, Terry Christian, RN, Mandy Feliciano and Jason Adams.

She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. To know her was to love her. Her strength was inspiring. She will be deeply missed.