Bethany Jean Thompson Kelly

Bethany was born to Jean and Curtis Thompson at the old Rex Hospital on St. Mary’s Street in Raleigh. As Raleigh grew throughout the years, it would be a source of pride that she was indeed a truly “local girl”. She grew up on James Road in Raleigh and nurtured her love for animals, especially her beloved pony, Charlie. Bethany was diagnosed as a type 1 diabetic when she was only 13. She was determined not to let that define her and took pride in becoming a Millbrook High School cheerleader despite her illness. As a teen, her family moved to Wake Forest, which would become her lifelong home. She went on to graduate from Guilford College in Greensboro and obtained her Bachelor’s degree. She used her creative talents to begin her professional life as a recreational therapist at WakeMed in Raleigh, where she would transition to volunteer administration and discover her true calling. She would ultimately spend nearly 33 years with the WakeMed system eventually serving as manager of volunteer services for WakeMed’s Cary hospital.  It was through Bethany’s initiative and leadership that the pet therapy program was introduced and developed throughout the WakeMed hospital system. She was proud that she was able to serve as president of the NC Society of Directors of Volunteer Services (now called NC Healthcare Volunteer Professionals).

Bethany met her husband, Richard Kelly, while both were working at WakeMed. They married in 1993 and immediately built their lifelong home in Wake Forest. Bethany was the proud mom to many four-legged children over the years, including Buddy, whom she rescued as part of an effort to help stranded animals in Tarboro, NC, after Hurricane Floyd; and her most recent rescue, her beloved pittie, Monte. Bethany had a gift for caring, whether it be for animals or people. She could make a connection with almost everyone who crossed her path and it wouldn’t take them long to discover her natural kindness, compassion and generosity.

Bethany loved her family dearly and she will be missed by them more than words can express. She is survived by her husband, Richard Kelly; brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Jane Thompson; nieces Ann Thompson and Catherine Thompson and her husband Sean Schmidt; and great nephew Ethan Schmidt. She is also survived by nieces, Jennifer King-Keeney and Rachel Gonzales; great nieces Grace and Vivian Gonzales; and great nephews Ethan Keeney and William Gonzales. Bethany is also survived by her aunt, Mary Nell Ferguson and dear cousins Lisa McIntosh and Michael Ferguson and their families.

Bethany was predeceased by her parents, Jean and Curt Thompson, and uncles, Jerry Ferguson and Earl Ferguson.

There will be a small personal service for the family and friends, details to be determined. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to your favorite animal rescue organization.

On a personal note, as her husband, Bethany was one of the toughest people I have ever had the privilege of knowing. Her health issues made every single day of her life a struggle to survive, yet I never heard her complain. Instead, she thrived. She found joy in simply living. She loved her family (two and four-legged) beyond measure. She loved and cherished her friends. She loved the holidays, she loved the spring and planting things, and she loved to shop. Quite simply, she loved, and I had the privilege of knowing her love as my wife and best friend for almost thirty-four years. Rest in peace, my love. No more pain.

Arrangements by Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home, 1051 Durham Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587. (919-556-7400)

www.cswfuneralhome.com