Charlene Craig Kelly

The light that shown so brightly has dimmed here on Earth but is shining ever so brightly in Heaven now. 

Our beloved, Charlene Craig Kelly, age 78, of Tazewell, TN, passed away peacefully while surrounded by her loving family on Monday, February 16, 2026, at Ft. Sanders Regional Medical Center, Knoxville, TN. She was born on February 16, 1947, in Mill Creek, KY, to James and Irene Moore Craig, who preceded her in death. 

Charlene dedicated her life to nurturing her family and filling their lives with love, warmth, and delicious food. She cherished her children deeply and was a cornerstone of love for her entire family-especially her husband, George. She created a home that was always welcoming and filled with something wonderful baking in the oven. Her family was the center of her universe and she loved them with a depth that was felt by everyone around her. She was the heart of her family, creating a warm welcoming home where laughter was plentiful and food was a love language. A master in the kitchen, Charlene was legendary for her homemade candy and comfort food. She was rarely seen without a project in her hand, most notably her cherished fudge, perfectly crunchy cornflake candy, her signature creamy cherry fluff, or baked ham, which brought joy to countless holiday gatherings and family reunions. When she wasn’t cooking, she was crocheting, crafting numerous heartfelt baby blankets that have wrapped generations of family and friends in her warmth and love.

In addition to her parents, Charlene was preceded in death by her son, James Kelly; Daughter, Lisa Kelly Adams Poore; Brothers, James Presley Craig, Jr., Clifford Craig, Carl Ray Craig, and Robert Craig; and Sisters, Patsy Craig Marcum Thompson, Ora Ondilee Wilson, and Teresa Lynn Craig.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 58 years, George Lee Kelly; Daughter, Georgia Rush (Kim) of Tazewell, TN.; Son, Danny Kelly (Andrea) of Buffalo, OK; Adopted Daughter, Bonnie Caldwell (Mark) of Clay, KY; Grandchildren; Derek Lane (Amber) of Henderson, KY, Kylie Griffin (Shane) of Pathfork KY, Kyler Fuller (Megan) of Walford, IA, Brandi Clemens (Jordan) of Hampshire, IL, Blazer Walker of Denver CO, Bayler Montana Kelly (Avery) of Gladstone MO, Kaisyn Kelly of Buffalo OK, Ezria Gollahan (Bobby) of Tazewell TN, Rebecca Adams (Shelby) of Tazewell TN; Several great and great-great grandchildren that she loved so dearly; and Siblings, J.C. Craig (Billie) of Pathfork KY, Mildred Hensley of Wallins Creek KY, Jeannie Thompson (Kevin) of Crossville TN, and Arthur Craig of Pathfork, KY as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

The family of Charlene Kelly will receive friends on Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Blackstar Pentecostal Church, Alva, KY.

Funeral services for Charlene Kelly will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Blackstar Pentecostal Church, Alva, KY, with Reverend James Earl Hensley and Reverend Devin Daniels presiding. Music will be provided by the Blackstar Pentecostal Church Singers.  

Graveside services will immediately follow at Alva Memorial Gardens, Alva, KY.

Online register book and condolences are available at www.cawoodfh.com.

All arrangements for Charlene Craig Kelly are under the care of Cawood Funeral Home, Middlesboro, KY.