Joan “Jo” Kelly Burch

On January 6, 2019 having struggled with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, Joan “Jo” Kelly Burch went to be with the Lord after 86 years of serving her husband, family, and friends.  She lived in Cleveland, GA after Herschel’s retirement for 22 years, before moving closer to her daughter in Buford, GA area 8 years ago.

Born January 20, 1932, Jo lived in Vienna, Georgia.  While attending Vienna High School she was elected as the State President of Future Homemakers of America, representing Georgia at the first National FHA Convention in Kansas City.  She attended Berry College 1949-1953.  Upon graduating, she taught English at Adel High School before marrying and moving to Columbia, SC where she taught service men.  After relocating to Atlanta, Ga, she became a full-time wife and mother and community service member.

Jo’s legacy of love continues through her husband Herschel, their children Scott and Karen, and daughter and son in-law, Dawn Burch and Chuck Pardoe; their grandchildren Sarah Marietta, her husband Fisher, Griffin Carr, his wife Brittany, Rachel Burch, Regan McShane, her husband, Ryan and Brian Burch.  She is also survived by her brother Steve Kelly, and his wife Nancy, and her sister-in-law Shirley Kelly, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Fred and Eva Kelly, Sr.; brothers:  Fred Kelly, Jr., Ben Kelly and her sisters Dean Kelly and Mozelle Kelly Smith.

Jo epitomized a Proverb’s 31 woman throughout her 65 years of marriage----modeling to  younger women how to love the Lord, by loving and honoring, her beloved Herschel.   Jo loved reading, music, playing bridge, traveling and most of all her family, grandchildren and friends.    Jo served the Lord at Cleveland United Methodist Church where she loved singing in the choir, helping others through the Stephen’s Ministry, working tirelessly at Mildred’s Thrift Shop, the annual Fall Bazaar and mission trips to Honduras.  Throughout her life, Jo was always willing to provide leadership and service through numerous community and church functions. 

Friends and family all remember her treasured hand-crafted paintings and hand-painted Christmas ornaments, sharing plants from her garden and her heart to “lend a hand---and look for the good in others”.  Even in her 80’s, she was still arranging and delivering flowers to shut-ins, making meals, and sending letters of encouragement to those in need.

Her grandchildren remember her as “grandmommy” who provided “exciting adventures” through time spent exploring the mountains, the thrift shop, the attic or the basement art and sewing studio.  She loved passing on to them her passion for life and learning and they always knew “she was there for them”, no matter what the need.  

A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 12, 2019 at 2 p.m. at Hamilton Mill United Methodist Church in Dacula, GA 30019.  A reception will follow.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the charity of your choice in her memory. 

To express condolences, please sign our online guest book at www.flaniganfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements By: Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770) 932-1133.