Jean Carol Kelley

Jean Carol Schultheis Kelley, 83, of Monrovia, passed away on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at Frederick Health Hospital.

Born on July 20, 1942, in Baltimore, MD, she was the daughter of the late Lester William Schultheis and Olga May Hagen Schultheis. Jean was the wife of Thomas Preston Kelley, her husband of 61 years.

Jean was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She was blessed with a beautiful servant's heart, and cared deeply about others. Throughout her life, and in every area, whether personal or professional, Jean’s deep and genuine faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, grounded and directed her steps, actions and decisions. She was awarded one of the first scholarships available towards a Master’s Degree in Special Education. After earning her degree, and during her career as a Special Education teacher, she dedicated herself to reaching the children with whom she worked and making a difference in each of their lives. As a wife, she was unwavering in her support of and commitment to her husband. And as a mother, she became the true heartbeat and glue of her family, and she dedicated herself to guiding, nurturing, supporting and helping her children -in any way that she could - every day of her life. She cherished God’s beautiful creation and maintained bountiful gardens. Especially in her later years, she

enjoyed watching wildlife visitors, such as chipmunks, squirrels, birds and rabbits, who often frequented her back porch. She had a quick, subtle and dry wit, which always led to many memorable conversations and laughs. Loving to travel, one of her favorite places to visit was Cape May, New Jersey. She loved to watch the ocean and spent many memorable vacations there with her husband as well as her immediate and extended family. One of the true joys of her life were her four grandchildren. She loved spending time with them, and she truly delighted in them. Whether she was listening to updates on their many endeavors, attending theater productions, watching hockey practices or games, attending dance events, helping with schoolwork, playing Scrabble, or simply sitting, talking and laughing with them, she enjoyed the everyday moments of time spent together with each of them. She shone in her role as a generous, giving and ever-present wife, mother and grandmother, and she leaves behind a legacy of unconditional love that is beyond compare.

Surviving Jean, in addition to her husband, are her daughters, Elizabeth Freeman of Myersville, Maryland; and Melissa Snyder, and husband Brian, of Mount Airy, Maryland. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Samantha Freeman of Frederick; and Brady Snyder, Abbie Snyder and Faith Snyder of Mount Airy, Maryland. Jean is also survived by her sister, Janet Plitt, and husband Calvin, of

Ellicott City; and her brother, Lex Schultheis and wife, Amy, of Sykesville, Maryland; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will hold a private memorial service on Thursday, March 5, 2026, for immediate and extended family, at Stauffer Funeral Home in Mount Airy, Maryland. Interment will be in Pine Grove Cemetery in Mount Airy, Maryland.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.