Kelly Ann Edwards, 60, passed away peacefully at Onslow Memorial Hospital on Sunday, September 22nd, 2024 at 2:42 a.m. She was born January 12, 1964, in Austin, Texas. She was a daughter of the late Kenneth Jr. and Laurel Heburn.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, October 12th at 11:00 am at Cape Carteret Baptist Church with Pastor Kevin Clubb officiating. A reception will be held following the service in the church fellowship hall. Feel free to dress in true "Kelly fashion", which of course means tee shirts (often tie-dye), jean shorts, Crocs, or all of the above.

Kelly grew up in a rural area in upstate New York. Her siblings Kenny & Kim have many memories of playing in the creek and on the train trestle, snowmobiling, riding horses, and getting in trouble. She graduated from Poland Central School (Poland, NY) 1982 and participated in basketball, soccer, and softball.

Kelly moved to North Carolina in 1995, where she raised her three children. She attended Coastal Community College and earned an associates degree in Early Childhood Education. Kelly worked for 20 years as a Special Education Teaching Assistant in the DoDEA school system on Camp Lejeune. She had a knack for working with children with special needs and enjoyed helping them grow.

Kelly was a tough and fiercely independent person. She was known for her boisterous personality, always lending a helping hand, her unique sense of humor, her interest in sports, and her passion for animals of all kinds. Those closest to Kelly would say that her love and dedication for her children was evident in all aspects of her life. She made many sacrifices as a single mother to help her children reach their full potential.

She is survived by her daughters; Megan Campbell (Bryn) of Jacksonville, NC, and Jessica Edwards of Graham, NC; her son Thomas Edwards of New Bern, NC; her sister Kimberly Priest (Robert) of Louisville, KY; and her brother, Kenneth Heburn III (Nancy) of Jacksonville, FL, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Kenneth Heburn, Jr. and her mother, Laurel Heburn.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to an animal charity or non-profit of your choice. Kelly had a passion for wildlife and becoming a wildlife rehabilitator was one of her dreams. Her daughter Megan works closely with a local wildlife sanctuary, Wild at Heart, who is accepting donations in honor of Kelly. Donations can be sent to Wild at Heart using the following link or by check mailed to 106 Conley Hills Drive, Richlands, NC 28574.

http://paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/4206981