Obituary of Doris Cox Kelly

Doris Cox Kelly, 72, of Melbourne Florida, died Sunday June 13, 2021 surrounded by family at the William Child’s Hospice House in Palm Bay, Florida.

Doris is remembered with love by her husband of 52 years, Ronald Patrick Kelly. She is also survived by her two daughters, Kimberly Kelly (husband John) and Alison Kelly Breneman (husband Craig), her nine grandchildren Jordan, Meredith, Hannah, Jack, Hallie, Mark, Luke, Owen, Oscar and also her brother, Donnie Hill.

She was born in Frankfort, Kentucky on September 18, 1948 to Arvin Cox and Juanita Hill Cox. As an infant, Doris lost her mother in a car accident. She was raised by her father and Juanita’s sister, Hallie Hill, who was always known to Doris as “mama”. They precede her in death along with her beloved brother, Ronnie Cox.

Doris grew up on a farm in Kentucky always surrounded by dozens of aunts, uncles, and cousins. She often spoke of this time in her life and the people she loved there. She graduated from Shelby County High School in 1966 and continued to live in Kentucky for much of her adult life until moving to Omaha, NE in 1997 and then to Round Lake, IL outside of Chicago in 1998. Doris and Ron retired to Florida in 2013. Each of these new homes brought new adventures and many new friends.

Doris was a dedicated wife and mother and she treasured her grandchildren, embracing every moment with them. Her faith, friends and family guided her life and brought her joy. Her life’s work was caring for her family.

She was a devoted member of her church community, First Presbyterian Church of Sebastian and so enjoyed Sunday worship services and listening to her favorite hymns. Her pastor, Jeff Wood, became a cherished friend.

Doris loved being outdoors, going for long walks, gardening, and going to dinner with family and friends. She looked forward to her grandchildren’s school plays, cross country meets, volleyball, basketball and flag football

games. Even in sickness, she tried to find her way to these events. She was always grateful for her many travels around the world with Ron and friends and vacations with her grandchildren. Watching the sun set brought her peace, contentment and a sense of God’s presence. She often shared her photographs of sunsets with friends and family.

The family would like express their appreciation to the staff of the William Child’s Hospice House for their compassionate care at the end of her life.

Funeral services will be held at 2 pm on July 10, 2021 at the First Presbyterian Church of Sebastian located at 1405 Louisiana Avenue Sebastian, FL 32978

The interment of ashes will take place in the church’s memorial garden following the service for immediate family members. Reception to follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the following organizations:

Sarcoma Foundation of America https://www.curesarcoma.org/donate/

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html