Sandra Penn Kelley

Sandra Dorothy Penn Kelley passed away May 9, 2026. Born in 1941 to Hugh Dorsey Penn and Dorothy Inez Penn, she lived a life marked by devotion to her family, faith, and quiet strength. Known to many as “Sandy,” she was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose steady presence and deep care for others shaped the lives of all who knew her. Sandy graduated from Hialeah High School in Miami, Florida, in 1959. Even as a student, she showed determination and responsibility, working part-time at a lumber yard before continuing full-time after graduation—a reflection of the strong work ethic she carried throughout her life. In 1960, she married Thomas “Tom” Ray Kelley, the love of her life, in Miami. Together they began their family, welcoming their first daughter before moving to Tallahassee, Florida, where they completed their family with two more daughters. They eventually made their home in Madison, Florida, where Sandy built both a meaningful career and a warm, welcoming home. Although she later moved to Valdosta, Georgia, in 1979, Madison always remained close to her heart. Sandy and Tom also built a cabin in Otto, North Carolina, a place that brought them great joy and many cherished memories. She worked for a time with the local phone company before beginning her long career with the Madison County School District in 1973. For 33 years, she faithfully served in the accounting department. That same year, Tom entered the ministry, and Sandy embraced her role as a preacher’s wife with grace, compassion, and unwavering support. She was known for opening her home and heart to others, serving as a constant source of strength beside her husband. While working full-time, Sandy pursued higher education at North Florida Junior College, earning her Associate of Arts degree—an achievement she held with great pride. She was also well known for her sharp wit and sense of humor, a trait lovingly passed down to her daughters. She was preceded in death by her father, Hugh Dorsey Penn; her stepfather, Eugene Shippee; her mother, Dorothy Irene Harry Penn; her husband, Thomas Ray Kelley; and her brother, Scott Eugene Shippee. She is survived by her brother, Hugh Dorsey Penn (Kathy); her daughters, Lisa Kae Kelley Dorris (Gary), Gena Rae Kelley Shiver (Jamie), and Mona Lee Ann Kelley; her grandchildren, Kelley Phelps Parker (Travis), Justin Dorris (Sherry), Tyler Dorris (Isabel), Allan Phelps, Jamie Lea Shiver; Chris Shiver (Meghan) and her great-grandchildren, Raeley Kae Parker, Lela Faye Parker, Garett Timothy Parker, Rose Tyler Dorris, Lilyanna May Dorris, Kingston Dorris, Jakob Shiver and Kaitlynn Shiver. The family would like to thank the staff of Heart of Hospice in Valdosta Georgia for their devotion and care. We would also like to thank Charlene Macraklin, Vida Grimsley, Marci Scanlan and Jessie Goss for their devotion and care. Sandy loved each of you. Funeral Services will take place Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 3:30pm, at Concord Baptist Church Cemetery. Sandy will be remembered for her unwavering dedication, her deep love for family, her quiet resilience, and the warmth and humor she shared so freely. Her life leaves a lasting imprint on all who were blessed to know her. Memories and condolences may be shared at beggsfuneral.com. Beggs Funeral Home, Madison, FL., (850) 973-2258.

Sandra Penn Kelley

January 11, 1941 - May 9, 2026