Kelly Banks Almond's Obituary
Kelly Banks Baker Almond, 63, of Rockwell passed away on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 in her home. Her memorial service will be held at 2 PM on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at the New London United Methodist Church with Rev. Evan Hill, Rev. James Pyatt, and Jeff Sweeney officiating. The family will receive friends at Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Albemarle on Friday evening, March 7, from 6 until 8 PM.
Born October 29, 1961 in Mecklenburg County, NC, she was the daughter of the late Jimmy Marsh Baker and Barbara H. Sells. She was a member of New London United Methodist Church and was retired from the laboratory of the VA Medical Center in Salisbury. She had previously served as a Professor of Biology at UNCG, High Point University and Stanly Community College. Mrs. Almond also worked for 12 years as the laboratory manager at Stanly Regional Medical Center.
Kelly was well known in the community for her volunteer work. She sang for many years with the Singing Americans of Stanly County. Kelly was also a long-time member of the Uwharrie Players, and although she seldom appeared on stage, she was well known behind the curtains as an outstanding stage manager, and she was best known to the general public as the lady at the ticket booth for many, many shows. In both organizations, she shared her beautiful voice.
An active member of New London United Methodist Church until her declining health kept her from being there. She sang in the Chancel Choir for many, many years, and was also active in Sunday school and the church’s prison ministry — teaching Bible studies at the women’s correctional center in Troy. Kelly was active with KAIROS Prison Ministry and led the local unit for one year.
Besides her beautiful singing voice, Kelly was also known for her generous spirit, and for how she lifted up and supported individuals in whatever she was involved with. Her smile was known to light up many a room!
Mrs. Almond is survived by her husband of 20 years, Rod Almond of the home. Other survivors include two children, Martin Jones of Pueblo, Colorado and Barbee Jones of Kernersville, NC; two brothers, Bob Baker of Albemarle and Scotty Sells (Natsuko) of Oriental, NC; a grandson, Ty Christian of Albemarle, and a beloved nephew, Zac Baker of Albemarle.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to New London United Methodist Church; KAIROS Prison Ministry; the Uhwarrie Players, Inc.; or to the Singing Americans of Stanly County, Inc.
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