The Rockfish community sadly lost a pillar on Tuesday, April 9, 2019 when Grace Evelyn Kelton, known by many as Amazing Grace, peacefully passed away at home from natural causes at the age of 86. She was born December 12, 1932.
She attended Fayetteville State University and the School of Nursing in Wilmington. Her contributions to the lives of many include, among other things, her lifetime membership at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic church, where she served on many committees, her distinguished service to early education in the Hoke County School System for more than 40 years, her co-founding the Lawrence Ray Scholarship fund, a 20-year stint as a member of the NAACP, supporter of the Rockfish Neighborhood Community Watch Program, and the development of a student mentoring program.
She is survived by her husband Worthy F. Kelton, children and grandchildren, Philip C. Kelton of Yardley, Pennsylvania, Karen M. Kelton of Atlanta, Georgia, Kristopher C. Kelton of Raeford, Paul F. Kelton of Ft. Washington, Maryland, Dr. Teresa P.M. Kelton of Milford, Connecticut, Kristen C. Kelton of Rockfish, Emily R. Kelton of Durham, and Howard Bailey, Willie Ellerbe, Kara Kelton, Olivia Kelton, Lauryn Kelton, Sean Kelton, K'marion Ellerbe and Aniyah Ellerbe; a sister, Brenda Parkins; her brother, Anthony Martin; and Betsey Bailey. She was preceded in death by her mother, Margaret Martin and one brother, Fred Currie.
Visitation will be Thursday, April 10 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Herring Funeral in Fayetteville. The funeral will be Friday, April 12, 2019 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Eastlawn Cemetery in Raeford. Pallbearers are David Avilla, Ervin Dudley, Maurice Parkins, Michael Parkins, Philip Kelton and Paul Kelton.
She attended Fayetteville State University and the School of Nursing in Wilmington. Her contributions to the lives of many include, among other things, her lifetime membership at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic church, where she served on many committees, her distinguished service to early education in the Hoke County School System for more than 40 years, her co-founding the Lawrence Ray Scholarship fund, a 20-year stint as a member of the NAACP, supporter of the Rockfish Neighborhood Community Watch Program, and the development of a student mentoring program.
She is survived by her husband Worthy F. Kelton, children and grandchildren, Philip C. Kelton of Yardley, Pennsylvania, Karen M. Kelton of Atlanta, Georgia, Kristopher C. Kelton of Raeford, Paul F. Kelton of Ft. Washington, Maryland, Dr. Teresa P.M. Kelton of Milford, Connecticut, Kristen C. Kelton of Rockfish, Emily R. Kelton of Durham, and Howard Bailey, Willie Ellerbe, Kara Kelton, Olivia Kelton, Lauryn Kelton, Sean Kelton, K'marion Ellerbe and Aniyah Ellerbe; a sister, Brenda Parkins; her brother, Anthony Martin; and Betsey Bailey. She was preceded in death by her mother, Margaret Martin and one brother, Fred Currie.
Visitation will be Thursday, April 10 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Herring Funeral in Fayetteville. The funeral will be Friday, April 12, 2019 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Eastlawn Cemetery in Raeford. Pallbearers are David Avilla, Ervin Dudley, Maurice Parkins, Michael Parkins, Philip Kelton and Paul Kelton.
In lieu of flowers or food for the family, you may donate to or volunteer at one of the organizations she loved: North Carolina Association of Educators; NAACP; or Catholic Charities.
(www.herringfuneralcare.com)
(www.herringfuneralcare.com)