Dr. Kelley Elise (Kel) Thomas-Martin

Dr. Kelley Elise (Kel) Thomas-Martin, age 57, from Kingston, Tennessee, beloved daughter, sister, wife and, and friend passed away peacefully at her home in Lenoir City, Tennessee on September 11, 2023. Kelley was baptized at then attended St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church for nearly all her life, where she also served as the first female acolyte, vestry member and treasured friend to her fellow parishioners. Her life was truly a reflection of the Love of Christ she held in her heart.
 

Kelley followed her father’s footsteps as a dedicated team member of Roane State Community College at the time of her passing. Kelley earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville then went on to obtain her Master’s degree from Tusculum University before completing her doctorate degree from East Tennessee State University. Kelley often shared how much her work meant to her as well as the friendships with fellow team members, and those she helped find careers throughout her workforce development career.

Kelley was predeceased by her father and mentor, Dr. Bobby Frank (Bob) Thomas, William F. Martin (husband’s father), Halden L. Martin (husband’s brother) and Father-in-law, Tom Miller, her beloved dog Roadie, her much loved and sometimes feisty grandparents, Jessie Nelson and Haskell Houston Driver, Berlie Avilla and Horace Paul Thomas, Kelley is survived by her loving husband, William Hadley (Had) Martin of Lenoir City, her mother, Dr.  Constance Dare (Connie) Thomas of Kingston; her brother, Michael Craig (Mike) Thomas of Knoxville; Mother-in-law, Lamona Miller of Marion, Indiana, Sister-in law Holly Baker and husband, Joe Baker of Hidden Hills, California, Sister-in-law, Heather Kelleher and husband Scott Kelleher of Indianapolis, Indiana, Sister-in-law Andrea Foley and husband, Shon Foley of San Juan, Puerto Rico; cousins Randi Hirt and husband Dan Hirt of Medford, Wisconsin and their two daughters, Erin and Kelli. Kelley also leaves behind other cousins, many friends, fellow parishioners, pets and coworkers she considered her chosen family.

Services will be held at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Harriman, Tennessee, on Thursday, September 21, 2023, at 1:00 PM. Celebrant will be Reverend Brad Jones. Interment will immediately follow at St. Andrews Cinerarium. Family will receive friends at a reception in the Church undercroft after the interment. Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel and Crematory is honored to serve the Thomas and Martin families with more information available at www.gentrygriffey.com/

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 190 Circle Drive, Harriman, TN 37748 or the charity of your choice with two of her preferences being the American Cancer Society and The Humane Society of the Tennessee Valley.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dr. Kelley Elise (Kel) Thomas-Martin, please visit our floral store.