Carroll Kelly

Augusta, GA - Mrs. Carroll Lamb Kelly, born December 30, 1929, wife of the late Joseph Elton Kelly, III, died peacefully at her home on April 5th while surrounded by her loving family.

Carroll was born in Savannah, Ga to the late Agnes Counihan Lamb, and father, Albert Lamb, whose death preceded her birth due to injuries he received while saving a family from a burning building. Although she grieved over not having a father, she was immensely proud that he died a Savannah Police Department Hero! She was raised by the Counihan Irish Tribe which included her aunts and uncles, and her late brothers, Charles and Bob. She was a graduate of St. Vincent’s Academy in Savannah and St. Joseph’s Nursing School. Carroll was proud to be a Registered Nurse. She and Joe started their Family in Savannah and moved to Augusta for Joe’s career with Morris Communications. Along with her husband Joe, they provided their children with an ideal childhood, which included caring for and loving a multitude of their children’s friends, orphans from St. Mary’s Home, and any child that needed shelter or love. The Kelly home was filled with song, laughter, talent shows, food, Irish singa-longs and pure unconditional love. Her children believe that she was the Mother every child deserved, and an eternal “happy camp counselor”. The Kelly Family were founding members of the Irish American Heritage Society and Carroll was honored in 2003 by the Society as The Irish Woman of the Year. She was also so proud that the family was recognized by the Society as the Irish Family of the Year in 2010. Carroll was also a member of the Augusta chapter of The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians. She was a devoted parishioner of St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church.

Carroll was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Joe, her infant son, Michael John Kelly, her son-in-laws; Richard Thornton and Timothy Harriott. She is survived by her sons: Dennis Joseph Kelly (Kim), Patrick O'Hara Kelly, her “favorite child”; Brian Egan Kelly, and her devoted daughters: Dee Kelly Harriott and Carroll Marie Kelly. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Martin (JJ) Bower (Luisa), Brandon Bower (Holly), Catherine Harriott Tuttle (Jake), Timothy Harriott (Leslie), Katie Avant (Austin), Alexandra Wilson (Nick), Egan Kelly (Katlyn), Parker Moore (Wynn), Sweet McKenzie Claxton, Madison Kelly, Emerson Lowe (Charlie), Patrick Kelly II, Jimmy Bower (Beth), as well as her great grandchildren: Elton and Eliza Bower, Martín Bower-Vazquez, Ava, Lyla, and Everett Tuttle, Joseph Lowe, Evelyn Kelly, and Tripp Moore. We also would like to acknowledge the life-long friendship she shared with Genevieve O’Connor, Mary Jo Long, Sr. Brigid Buttimer, and her beloved Augusta crew.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Fran Brooks for the companionship and care she provided over the years. We would also like to thank family friend, Anne Scherer for the care and love she gave during our Mother’s last hours. The family is so grateful for the compassionate care given by the staff of Agape Hospice, most especially Sequoia Hatcher.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church. The family will receive friends Tuesday, prior to the funeral, from 10:30 until the Mass. At a later date, Carroll will be laid to rest in Savannah, Ga. next to the love of her life, Joe, and her sweet baby, Michael. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in her name to St. Vincent’s Academy, 207 E. Liberty Street, Savannah, GA 31401.