Obituary of Carol Anne Kelley

Carol Anne Kelley, age 84, of Roanoke, VA passed peacefully into the arms of our Heavenly Father early Thursday morning, February 9th, 2023. Carol was born August 29,1938 to Juanita and George Edgar Huyett of St Joseph, MO.

Carol married Jack Lee Eppard in 1956 and had three children. A proud military wife and mother, Carol devoted her early years to raising her sons and daughter and making a home at or near military bases in Germany and across America.  By 1975 they had moved 18 times for the United States Army. 

In 1978 Carol married the love of her life, Dick Kelley, and eventually moved to Bedford, VA where she began a successful business career and made lifelong friends.

Carol went on to become the director of the Bedford Chamber of Commerce and, even after retirement, continued to pursue an active professional life at numerous non-profit organization throughout Roanoke including CASA and the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Carilion Clinic Children’s Hospital.

Carol was preceded in death by her husband of 31 years Richard “Dick” Kelley, 63, and her beloved teacup poodle, Billy. An avid scrabble player and coffee-drinker, Carol loved and was loved by her family and friends. Well into her 84th year, Carol was still selflessly doing for others before her passing.

Surviving Carol are her 3 children:  Jack Eppard Jr (wife Gena) of Rhome, TX, Teresa Nelson of Topeka, KS and Brad Eppard (wife Kate) of Portsmouth, VA.

An adoring Grandmother, Carol is survived by three granddaughters: Patricia Gangstad (husband Erik), Jessica Garmon and Ryanne Eppard (aka “Grandmas girls”) plus three great-grandsons (Leevon, Johnny and Arlo).

Donations in memory of Carol can be made to Roanoke Valley SPCA or Rescue Mission of Roanoke .

A private service at Simpson Funeral Home, 5160 Peters Creek Road Roanoke, VA 24019 (540-366-0707) will be held Wednesday, February 15th. The service will be live streamed via YouTube and recorded for later viewing on Simpson Funeral Home’s memorial page.