Jean C. Kelly, 92, of Kewanee, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2026, at Seminary Manor in Galesburg.

Our mother was the sweetest, kindest person we have ever known. She had a heart full of love and always put others before herself. She made the world a better place simply by being in it, and we will miss her every single day. She loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren beyond measure. Although she is no longer with us, her love, strength, and beautiful spirit will live forever in our hearts.

Jean was born on Nov. 13, 1933, in Altoona, Pa., to Clifton Max Davis and Clara Cathryn (Glunt) Davis. She graduated from Altoona Area High School in 1952. On April 11, 1953, she married the love of her life, James E. Kelly, in Cumberland, Md. After Jim was discharged from Blue Knob Air Force Base in Pa., they relocated to Kewanee, Ill., in Dec. 1953, where Jim had grown up. Together they shared 58 wonderful years of marriage until Jim's passing.

Jean was a woman of many talents and simple joys. An avid gardener, she took great pride in her flowers, landscaping, and the beauty of her yard. Family and friends always knew they would find fresh homemade baked goods waiting in her kitchen, where everyone was welcomed with love and something delicious to eat. She also enjoyed golfing, creating wood crafts, and sewing. Her sewing talents were a true labor of love. When Pam and Jim were little, Jean lovingly made matching outfits for them, creating cherished memories that her family still treasures today. As a devoted "baton mom," Jean lovingly handcrafted every baton costume Lisa wore, combining her remarkable sewing talents with her unwavering support and encouragement. Alongside her husband, Jim, Jean proudly owned and operated Kelly's Tap in Kewanee from 1988 to 1998, where they built lasting friendships and became a familiar part of the community.

Jean's greatest joy in life was her family. She is survived by her children, Pam (Pat) Berlin of Bradford, Ill.; Jim Kelly (Darin Marquez) of Kewanee, Ill.; and Lisa Kelly (Joyce Friichtenicht) of Rio, Ill. She was a proud grandmother to Angie (Troy) Wall of Bradford, Ill., and Amber (Louco) Luc of Lawrenceville, Ga. She was also blessed with great-grandchildren Kassie King (Luc Harkey) of Sherrard, Ill.; Kendall (Christina) King of Omaha, Neb.; and Kellen, Kinsley, and Kennedy Wall, all of Bradford, Ill.

She is also survived by her sisters, Marial Schneider of Reynoldsburg, Ohio, and Lois Adams of Weatherford, Texas; her brother-in-law, Butch (Julie) Kelly of Kewanee, Ill.; and her sister-in-law, Peg Heath of Hamlin, Texas. Jean also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, cherished friends, including Gayle Beauprez and Ginger Tossell, and the Strange family, all of whom held a special place in her heart.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jim; her parents; her brother, Tom Davis; her grandson, Andy Huffman; and her great-grandson, Kaden Wall.

Visitation will be held on Aug. 1, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Golnick Family Funeral & Cremation Services in Kewanee, with graveside services immediately following at 12:00 p.m. at Pleasant View Cemetery in Kewanee. Pastor Haley Hausman will officiate. Arrangements have been entrusted to Golnick Family Funeral & Cremation Services of Kewanee.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Church M&M’s of Kewanee or the Ill. CancerCare Center in Galesburg.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Gina at the Ill. CancerCare Center in Galesburg, Megan and Jade at Seminary Estates, and all of the caregivers who provided Jean with such compassionate care and kindness throughout her journey. Your love and dedication brought comfort not only to Jean, but to our entire family, and we will always be grateful.