Carolyn Annette Cannon Kelly

Carolyn Annette Cannon Kelly, of Covington, passed away Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at the age of 80. Mrs. Kelly was a loving and giving woman whose warmth touched everyone she met. She cherished her family deeply and found great joy in spending time with them, especially during the holidays—Christmas being her favorite time of year. Always full of laughter and fun, she was a jokester. She also loved playing games and watching her favorite game shows. She sang in the church choir and also shared her beautiful voice on the local radio when J.T. Payne preached on the air. Her faith and music brought joy and comfort to many throughout her life.

Mrs. Kelly enjoyed long talks with her friends on the phone and treasured the times when her three close friends would come over to play board games. She loved the outdoors, whether camping under the stars or relaxing by the beach, two of her favorite places to be. Married for 40 wonderful years, she shared a lifetime of love, laughter, and beautiful memories with her husband.

Mrs. Kelly’s kindness, humor, and joyful spirit will be forever remembered by her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Phillip Wayne Kelly; parents, Tyrus Eugene Cannon and Georgia Huff Cannon; sister, Shelby Jean Watts; brother-in-law, Bobby Watts; and nephew, Barry Lee Watts.

Survivors include her daughters, Karen Caldwell (Kerry), Kimberly Messier (Scott), Tonya Hilliard (David); grandchildren, Joshua Caldwell (Kathryn), Jacob Caldwell (Alexandrea), Amy Long (Tomias), David Long (Carrie), Jonathan Messier, Emily Couch (Wes), Steven Messier, Kathleen Adkins (Collins), Vallie Hilliard, Georgia Hilliard, Dixie Hilliard, Haylie Yearwood (Daniel); and great-grandchildren, Kaylee Caldwell, Colt Caldwell, Charlotte Caldwell, Lauren Caldwell, Christopher Long, Caleb Long, Raymond Messier, Cooper Yearwood, and Louella Yearwood; as well as nephew, Bruce Watts (Amanda).

A Funeral Service for Mrs. Kelly will be held Monday, March 9, 2026, 2:00 P.M., at the Chapel of Caldwell & Cowan, 1215 Access Road, in Covington, with interment following in Prospect Cemetery, 84 Barnes Mountain Road, in Mansfield. Friends are invited to visit with the family at the funeral home Sunday, March 8, from 6:00 - 8:00 P.M.