Leslie Karen Kelly, beloved wife, mother, Gigi, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 16, 2026, at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, surrounded by her loving family. She was 70 years old. After a four-month battle with complications following a double lung transplant, Leslie's courageous fight came to an end, leaving behind family and friends who will forever cherish the love she gave so freely.
Leslie was born on February 12, 1956, in Albany, Georgia, to the late Lillie Hazel Bolton and Robert Irvin Bolton, Sr. She graduated from Lee County High School in Leesburg, Georgia, in 1974 and worked in banking until she had children. Throughout her life, she was known for her generous heart, her willingness to help anyone in need, and her remarkable ability to do a million things at once while always making time for the people she loved. Leslie was a natural caregiver in every sense of the word, and one of her greatest gifts was the way she made people feel loved. She was the person everyone called when they needed something, and she was always happy to help. Putting others before herself came naturally to her. She gave her time and love without hesitation and never expected anything in return. She touched countless lives through her kindness, generosity, and unwavering willingness to show up for others.
Leslie faced her own health challenges with remarkable determination. After being diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, she faced the disease with strength and bravery. When the opportunity for a lung transplant came, she approached it with hope and determination to keep fighting. Though she was scared, she was ready to take that step and face whatever lay ahead for the chance to have more time with the people she loved. Her courage throughout this journey was a testament to the strength she carried within her.
Above all, Leslie cherished her family. She shared 50 wonderful years of marriage with her beloved husband, Steve Kelly. Together, they built a life filled with love, commitment, and treasured memories. They were looking forward to celebrating their 51st wedding anniversary on October 30.
Leslie is survived by her husband, Steve Kelly; her daughter, Sarah Capps, and son-in-law, Ryan Capps; and her son, Matthew Kelly, and daughter-in-law, Gretchen Kelly. She was a proud Gigi to Luke and Ella Grace Capps and Marshall Kelly, who brought her immeasurable joy. She is also survived by her brothers, Robert Bolton, Jr., Scott Bolton, and Sidney Bolton.
The impact Leslie made on the people around her cannot be measured. She was the person who showed up, who remembered, who helped, who gave, and who made ordinary moments feel special. Her influence will live on in the lives she touched and in the kindness she inspired others to share.
A funeral service celebrating Leslie's life will be held on Friday, October 30, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Hope Springs Church, 3000 WorldReach Drive, Indian Land, SC 29707. Visitation will follow immediately after the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to LOTS @ BSI, Inc., 9611 Morgan Mill Road, Monroe, NC 28110, in accordance with Leslie's wishes.
