Norma Kelly

Norma Kelly, who passed away on February 27, 2024 at the age of 95, was the beloved wife of Stan Kelly for 73 years and the beloved mother of their three children Skip, Brian and Joan. She was born Norma Aileen Hairston on October 8, 1928 in Akron, Ohio. She was the third child of George and Alice Hairston. Her mother died when Norma was 4 years old. Her father later remarried her stepmother Angeline. Their blended family included ten children. Norma had five sisters:  Margaret, Ernestine, Hattie, Janie and Rachel. She had four brothers: George Jr., Jimmy, Bobby and Jerome.

Norma graduated from South High School in Akron and then attended Fisk University when she began dating Stan, who was also from Akron. They were married in Akron in 1950. She then moved with Stan to Washington, DC where he graduated from Howard University and she worked as cartographer drawing maps for the Pentagon. As newlyweds during the early 1950s, Norma and Stan enjoyed the vibrant DC nightlife centered around U Street where they often socialized at music shows and dances. Both were well known in DC as a talented dance couple who were featured on the local television program "Capital Caravan."

After giving birth to her children and devoting herself to raising them, Norma graduated from DC Teachers College to become a second grade teacher at Brightwood Elementary School. She is fondly remembered by her many students as well as her fellow teachers. She retired after a fulfilling career of 25 years. Throughout her long life, she always enjoyed getting together with her close friends especially her best friend Georgellen. Norma and Stan also continued to shine on the dance floor as longtime members of the Banneker Ballroom Dance Club. In her later years, she cherished her time spent with family and friends at her home or dining out.

In addition to her husband Stan and their three children Skip, Brian and Joan, Norma is survived by her sister Janie and her brothers, Jimmy and Bobby as well as dozens of nieces and nephews.  

A memorial service for Norma Kelly is planned for June in Akron, Ohio.

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