Anita Jenice Kelley, affectionately known to her family and friends as “Nikki or NeNee,” surrounded by her loved ones, peacefully passed away on April 27, 2024, at the age of 46. Anita was the beloved daughter of Daniel and Lenora Kelly (deceased). A beautiful gift, she was born just one day after Mother’s Day, on May 10th, 1977. She was the youngest of four children.

Anita was educated through the Cleveland Public School System where she attended East Technical High School. Years later, she earned an associate certificate from Virginia Marti College of Art and Design. Her love for design was displayed over the years in both the East Cleveland and Woodland Public Libraries. Anita’s displays touched countless lives, and her various skills, talents, and compassion for creation were exhibited in all of her work.

Anita’s love for creativity extended beyond her work. Her journey through life was marked by her devotion and admiration for her family, her love for assisting others, and her unwavering kindness. She took great joy in assisting her sister, Angela Kelly, in the educational realm, where she created bulletin boards, established book clubs within the classroom, worked in after-school programs, tutored students, and designed the differential learning blocks, that are still being utilized in schools today, and instructed other teachers in ways to itemize test questions that better assist students in their learning. Anita not only wrote plays, but she created their soundtracks and designed the stage props for the plays, Anita was also spiritual. She dedicated some of her time at Bethel Seventh Day Adventist Church where she organized events to support children’s education.

Anita was a very innovative person with many hobbies. She did not like to do one thing too long for fear of boredom. Her many hobbies included playing video games and board games, drawing, writing, putting three-D puzzles together, reading, organizing files in schools, doing yard work, and interior graphic design. Most of all, she just loved spending time with family and being a “Cat Mom” to her “Cat Children,” Joey (21) and Jada Girl (13).

Anita Kelley’s life was full of nurturing love, selfless service, and simple pleasures. Her memory will be cherished, and she will always live through the stories that are passed down. Anita is survived by her sister Angela; her brothers Anthony, Antonio, and Lil Freddie; her father Daniel; her nephew DeVaunte; and Nieces Dymond and Chanautica; three great-nephews; two great-nephews; and a host of other family and friends who will miss her gentle, quirky spirit and generous heart. Anita (my sister) always wanted to have a large family and have family gatherings on special holidays.

Humbly Submitted,

The Family