Charlene Juanita Kelly, age 74 of Dorr, and formerly of Three Rivers, died Friday, March 12, 2021 at Faith Hospice at Trillium Woods in Byron Center, Michigan. She was born in Lansing on Dec. 22, 1946 the daughter of Eugene and Juanita (Smith) James. She graduated from Three Rivers High School with the class of 1965 and later attended Glen Oaks Community College. As a bookkeeper, Charlene worked at First National Bank, the St. Joseph County Treasurer's office, Dimmick Oil Company of Three Rivers and Murphy Oil Company of Sturgis. She was a talented sewer and quilter and worked at quilting shops in Kalamazoo, Shipshewana, and Grand Rapids. She volunteered as a Den Mother when her children were young. She appreciated music and taught herself to play several instruments.

Charlene was married to John Patrick Kelly, Sr. on Oct. 22, 1965 in Berrien Springs. He survives along with three sons, John P. (Heather) Kelly, Jr. of New Market, AL, Sean E. (Lavina Fay) Kelly of Mendon, and Christopher J. (Sheila) Kelly of Dorr; eleven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; many foster children; step-mother, Thelma James; four sisters, Carol (Wes) Dobrowolski, Chris (Tom) Evans, Mary Ann (Jim) Decknik, and Joanne (Mike) Harvey; two brothers, Tom (Debbie) James and Doug James; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Candy; brothers, Bob Smith, Bill Redding, and Brent Redding.

In keeping with her wishes, cremation has been conducted and a memorial celebration will be held in the Fall of 2021. Assistance was provided by the Eickhoff Funeral Home of Mendon. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com It is suggested that memorial contributions be directed to Faith Hospice at Trillium Woods at www.faithhospicecare.org