Shannon Powell Kelly

Shannon Powell Kelly, 59, passed away on Friday, November 14, 2025, at Grand Strand Medical Center in Myrtle Beach, SC, after a brief illness.

She was born August 18, 1966, at the Naval Hospital in Charleston, SC, a daughter of the late Larry Charles Powell and Patricia Thomas Powell. Shannon was raised in Florence, where she attended Florence School District One schools. After graduating from South Florence High School in 1984, she attended what was then called Francis Marion College. During college, she worked at the Fitness Forum, where she met her best friend and future husband, Chris, after a lively disagreement over the merits of white versus wheat bread for a sandwich. Thankfully, they managed to settle the great bread debate, and they married in 1991.

After graduating from FMC, Shannon began working as a social worker and recruiter for Bruce Hospital. She returned to Francis Marion a few years later and obtained her Master’s Degree in Education. Shannon served the Florence County School System for over 25 years, teaching Special Education and 4th grade at Royall Elementary School and most recently teaching 5th-grade English-Language Arts at St. James Intermediate School in Myrtle Beach, SC. Her ability to make learning fun and meaningful left a lasting impact, and she was deeply loved by her students and fellow teachers alike.

Shannon had a passion for art and creativity. She loved to draw, paint, and create in many different forms. She often made special pieces for family and friends for holidays and other meaningful occasions, delighting in sharing her talent with those around her.

One of Shannon’s greatest joys in life was being a mother to Powell and Sloan. She loved them deeply and took great pride in the wonderful people they’d become. Having them both living close by brought Shannon a sense of happiness and allowed her to make precious memories with them.

In addition to her mother Pat, Shannon is survived by her husband Charles Patrick Kelly, Jr., her son Christopher Powell Kelly, and her daughter Sloan Amber Kelly. She is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law Hollie and Chad Johnson, and her nephews Coleman Johnson and Boone Johnson. Her in-laws Pat and Betty Kelly, brother-in-law Paul Kelly, sister-in-law Kim Kelly, and niece Ryan Kelly and nephew Grey Kelly also survive her.

Shannon also leaves behind dear friends Dawn Blackmon and Paula Krell. Shannon, Dawn, and Paula were affectionately known as “The Flamingals,” an exclusive and tightly-knit trio. Their friendship was one-of-a-kind, bound by love, laughter, and unwavering support. It was a bond that held them together through both the joys and challenges of life, a connection that will be remembered and cherished always.

She will also be lovingly remembered by many extended family members, friends, and students who will miss her deeply.

Friends and family are invited to visit on Tuesday, November 18th, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Funeral services will begin at 6:00 p.m. in the Stoudenmire-Dowling Funeral Home Chapel, 2402 South Irby Street, Florence, SC with Rev. Will Malambri officiating. Her honorary pallbearers will be her nephews Coleman, Boone, and Grey.

In lieu of flowers, her family asks friends and loved ones to honor Shannon’s memory by sponsoring a child this Christmas at Royall Elementary School, North Myrtle Beach Middle School, or St. James Intermediate School, spreading joy to children in her name.

The family invites everyone attending Shannon’s services to wear pink in honor of her favorite color. They would also like to express their gratitude to the physicians, nurses, and staff of the CVICU at Grand Strand Medical Center for the wonderful care and love they provided during such a difficult time.

Please sign the Guest Book for the family at www.stoudenmiredowling.com.