Josephine DeVane Kelly, 87, of Wilmington, passed from her earthly life on Thursday, April 30, 2026.

She was born on September 20, 1938, in Bladen County, to the late Jonathan DeVane and the late Estelle DeVane.

Josephine was a Godly, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, who cared deeply for her family. She was a kind and giving person who loved everyone she met.

God's Flower Garden

God looked around his garden

and found an empty space.

Then He looked down upon the earth

and saw your loving face.

He put His arms around you

and lifted you to rest.

God's garden must be beautiful,

for He only takes the best.

Josephine is survived by her beloved husband of 70 years, John Vance Kelly; her daughter, Sandra Kelly Barton, and her husband Sam; her daughter in law, Cheryl Ann Kelly, her grandchildren, Jason Kelly and his wife, Amanda; Damion Hancock and his wife, Erin, Brittany Peterson and her husband, Keith, Skylar Barton; and her great grandchildren, Brandon Kelly and his fiancée, Hanna; Drew Kelly, JoJo Hancock, and Addy Peterson.

In addition to her parents, Josephine was also preceded in death by her son, Elmer Darrell Kelly; her brothers, T.J. DeVane, Durwood DeVane, Wesley Devane, Doug DeVane; her sisters, Vera Smith, Carolyn Hardee, and Baby Virginia DeVane.

A visitation will be held from 4:00pm - 6:00pm on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at Quinn McGowen Funeral Home in Wilmington.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00pm on Monday, May 4, 2026, at Haw Bluff Baptist Church with Pastor Hugh Folds and Pastor Richard Wade officiating. Burial will follow the service in the Haw Bluff Baptist Church Cemetery.

Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family by selecting the Tribute Wall above.

Quinn McGowen Funeral Home of Wilmington is serving the family.

910-794-7171