Eloise Jane Kelly, born in Los Angeles, California, was the beloved daughter of Cornelius and Alleane Williams. She possessed a lively, gregarious spirit and an effortless elegance that made her the very definition of class. Eloise had a gift for lighting up every room she entered with her joy, warmth, and positivity.

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Eloise was raised in Los Angeles, where she attended Washington Preparatory High School. She continued her academic journey at UC Irvine before earning her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Colorado State University Global, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Her education laid the foundation for a distinguished and multifaceted career.

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Eloise served as a flight attendant with United Airlines for 20 years, from 1984 to 2004, a role that allowed her to explore the world and cultivate her love of travel. Following her flight career, she built “Events by Eloise,” an event planning and catering business inspired by her passion for cooking and hospitality. She also served as an Assistant Store Manager at JC Penney’s, where her leadership, professionalism, and attention to detail were highly valued.

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Deeply committed to service and community, Eloise contributed her talents to numerous organizations. She chaired the Auction Committee for Museum After Dark at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and co-chaired major fundraisers for the Denver Zoo and Good Shepherd Elementary School, raising more than $500,000 over six years. She served on the Good Shepherd Advisory Council for six years, the Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School Advisory Council for four years, and participated in the Adams County Democratic Committee. Eloise also supported the annual golf tournament of the 100 Black Men of Denver and was a generous donor to several charitable institutions, including the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, the Denver Zoological Foundation, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the Colorado Children’s Chorale.

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Eloise’s life was rich with passions. Known affectionately as El by her husband and Lois by her family, she was defined by her love, generosity, and devotion. She loved cooking, listening to music especially Stevie Wonder and John Legend, traveling, and attending movies and shows with her sons. Her years as a flight attendant allowed her to see the world, yet her greatest joy was always found in the company of family.

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Eloise’s faith guided her throughout her life. She attended Solid Rock Baptist Church throughout her childhood. She converted to Catholicism as an adult and remained deeply devoted to her faith throughout her life.

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Eloise is survived by her devoted husband Paul Kelly; her sons Collin Garcia-Kelly (Christian Garcia-Kelly) and Christopher Kelly (Elena Kelly); her mother Alleane Williams; her sister LaWanda Jackson (Donald); her brother Ervin Williams (Veronica); her life-long friend Lynda Senegal-Jones (Oscar); and a loving extended family of cousins, aunts, nieces, nephews, and countless friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Cornelius Williams and her In Laws Annabelle Tolson and James Tolson.

Eloise Jane Kelly leaves behind a legacy of love, service, elegance, and joy. She will be cherished forever.