Esther (Booth) Kelly

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Esther Kelly entered the world on June 10, 1930 in Hartford Connecticut.

She was the 2nd child of Estus and Sannie (Adams) Booth. Her siblings were Evelyn Booth Myers (deceased 2023), Jeanette Booth (deceased 1937), and Alfred “Sonny” Booth.

At birth it is said that Esther had a beautiful golden brown complexion and was named "Golden Baby" by the midwife, Iola. It was later shortened to Goldbaby, and eventually “Go’bay”, the name by which everyone who knew her in Hartford called her.

During the Depression, Esther's mother passed away, in addition to a younger sister. Estus Booth steadfastly refused to surrender his three children to “the state” or to be reared by relatives. He raised them as a single father throughout their childhood into their teen years.

When Esther was just 17,  she moved to New York where she exaggerated about her age and was able to get a job with the telephone company. After a few years , she met and married, Waverly Kelly Jr., where they settled in Brooklyn, and had two children, Kevin and Pamela Kelly.   Throughout her life Esther Kelly had an appreciation for the arts and placed a high value on education, even though she had not graduated from High School. She exposed her children to museums, libraries, and the many educational sights and sounds that New York had to offer.

Esther eventually moved back to her hometown of Hartford Connecticut, where she went to work in manufacturing such as Pratt & Whitney and Colts Firearms. Esther’s outgoing  temperament and confidence served her well her entire life and she never went without a job. She possessed a quick wit and sense of humor that endeared her to many.

In 1980 Esther left Hartford and ventured out to California where her daughter Pamela lived. She would remain there for 15 years, even securing her long delayed GED. During this time, Esther rediscovered her artistic talents and began painting and creating ceramics, for which she was recognized in local events.

Esther retired in 1995 and relocated to North Carolina to be with her daughther and two grandchildren. She  continued to explore creative activities such as fiber arts, ceramics, and painting.

Esther’s greatest joy was being there for her grandchildren when they arrived home from school. Marshall and Jocelyn fondly remember being welcomed by the comforting aroma of fresh bread and ginger snaps. Her love for her grandchildren was boundless—a love that endures still.

“God is so good. I have been blessed throughout my life, even during the hard times, God is good.” – Esther Kelly

Mrs. Kelly is survived by her daughter Pamela Kelly, her grandchildren Jocelyn and Marshall Ellis, beloved brother Alfred “Sonny” Booth,  niece Glynis Bell, nephew Chan Booth, nieces Bernardyne Hopkins,  Beverly Myers, nephew William Myers, Jr., in addition to esteemed cousins Anne Grant,  Fred & Thelma White, Jennifer & Cliff Wiggins, and a host of cherished grand nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Memorial Service:  2:00 PM, Saturday, February 14, 2026 at Lea Funeral Home Chapel, 2500 Poole Road, Raleigh, NC,

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