Sara Kelly

Sara Payne Kelly, 102, of Central, widow of Theron Parrott Kelly, died Wednesday at her home.

Born in Anderson, SC, she was a daughter of the late Marcus Matthew and Louise Carter Payne of Anderson, SC. She was a graduate of Girls High in Anderson and Anderson Junior College where she was the editor of the school newspaper, The Yodler and wrote an article "Campus Comments." She furthered her education through both University of South Carolina and Clemson University. Prior to her marriage, she was the secretary to E.P. Josey, the Anderson County Farm Agent. Following her marriage she began a 22 year teaching career at Central Elementary School. She was a member of Alpha Delta Kappa Teachers Sorority. She was very active in the Central community where she helped established the Central Library and served as the President of the Friends of the Library for many years. She was a member of the UDC and was an avid card player having been a member of both Canasta and Bridge Clubs. She was a long time member of Mt. Zion United Methodist Church where she was a member of the Eloise Gaines Circle of the UMW and served as the Secretary and Treasurer for over 60 years.

She is survived by a daughter, Sara Lou Kelly Palmer of the home; grandchildren, Kelly P. Bodell of Clemson, Theron P. (Tish) McAlister of Anderson, Malcolm Anthony McAlister and wife, Bonnie of Mt. Pleasant, Katherine Palmer (Dickie) DeMasi of Irmo, SC, Matthew Alexander McAlister of Anderson, Sara "Sissy" Palmer Baker of Mt. Pleasant, and Maresa McAlister (Joe) Darby of Anderson; great grandchildren, Sara Katherine Bodell and Stewart James Bodell of James Island, Meagan McAlister (Travis) Burriss of Anderson, Miranda and Conner McAlister of Greenville, Sara Frances, Malcolm, Edwin and Luke McAlister of Mt. Pleasant, Anthony, Nicolas, Mimi and Evan DeMasi of Irmo, Aras Love Baker of Mt. Pleasant, Alexander Poore and Andrew Darby of Anderson; great-great grandchildren, Lexie and Lillie Burriss of Anderson; nieces Cleve Ann Senn and her son Richie and his children, Trevor and Emma all of Clemson and Julia and Walter Hawkins of Six Mile; the widow of Sara's grandson, Marc Anthony McAlister, Sherri McAlister Moore of Anderson; and

In addition to her husband of over 50 years and her parents, she was predeceased by daughters, Marcia Kelly McAlister and Theresa Kelly Bodell; brother, Marcus M. Payne, Jr.; sister Roseann Payne Screws; and grandson, Marc Anthony McAlister.

Funeral services will be 4 PM, Saturday in Mt. Zion United Methodist with Rev. Gene Aiken officiating with burial to follow in Old Stone Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 3:30 PM, Saturday at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 186, Central, SC or to the Cancer Association of Anderson, 215 E. Calhoun Street, Anderson, SC 29621.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or at the funeral home.