Erin Olivia Kelley

Erin Olivia Kelley was born on October 23rd 2003. Her life was in the enchanted valley of Young Harris, Georgia. Primary and secondary education through the Towns County school system, before her attendance at Young Harris College acquiring a Bachelor of Communications. Therein she was inducted as a member of ΣΒΣ, better known as The Susan B.’s, which remained a constant source of joy and pride through her life. Her work found her at Brasstown Valley Resort, which she loved and where she was beloved. If you knew her well, then you knew her as bold and honest. Clear, and candid. As her brother, this obituary attempts to capture some fraction of her scaldingly truthful spirit, though you should know that no one could’ve told it to you as honestly as her.

Erin was naturally funny and exceedingly talented. A brilliant, soulful singer; though just as likely to instead choose a silly impression. A tact storyteller. An enrapturing actor with a penchant for embodying her role. A burgeoning poet. A crafter. A collector of toys, tales, and peoples alike. She always had the best gossip, and if she didn’t, she would make it. In following her passions, I only ever knew her to find success. She was a wonderful sister and in our youth a perfect playmate, imaginative and present.

Erin was a person of great conviction. She was proud, and she was a speaker of truths. Our mother always told us to pick our battles, and she picked them as often as she didn’t. That’s because she was willing to fight for her beliefs, no matter the size of the fight in store. She embraced her feelings, acted on them with an enviable certainty, and in that she possessed a freedom I’ve known no other to rival. Those she chose to stand beside knew they couldn’t ask for better. For she believed in being completely true to oneself, and in accepting and encouraging any brave enough to do the same. As the Susan B.’s said, and I’m certain she would agree, “We don’t care who you are, we don’t care what you do, as long as you stay true to you!”

Our loss cannot be understated, without her our world is not whole, may the peace she’s in be our one comfort. A memorial will be held on Sunday March 15, 2026 at 2:00 pm at the Young Harris College’s Susan B. Chapel with Rev. Donnie Jarrard and Kevin Moss officiating.

The Susan B.’s and their Gents are invited to serve as honorific pallbearers. In lieu of flowers we ask that donations may be made to ΣΒΣ, Susan B.’s, in honor of Erin at https://www.yhc.edu/give/online-giving/. Please notate in the comment section that the donation is in honor of Erin. 

Banister-Cooper is in charge of arrangements of Erin Kelley.