Lee Ann Sutherland Kelly, age 51, of Elk Creek, Virginia passed away at her home on Friday, April 26, 2024.  She was born in Galax, VA on October 3, 1972, to Harry Charles and Nell Cannoy Sutherland.  She was preceded in death by her father, Harry Charles Sutherland.

Lee Ann's heart belonged to her two beloved boys, Brayden and Jace, who were the center of her world. She always looked after them making sure they always had plenty of food. She loved going to the Elk Creek race track to watch Brayden compete. She was his #1 fan. She will be fondly remembered for giving nicknames to her family and close friends, and always being full of laughter and fun and having a great sense of humor.

Lee Ann was a cheerleader throughout high school years.  During her Senior year she won the title of Miss Grayson County High in 1990. Following graduation she modeled at the Bluefield Mall before attending Wytheville Community College where she earned her LPN degree. Throughout her career she gave generously of herself to serve the residents at Grayson Nursing and Rehab Center which she always called "the home." As a dedicated LPN, Lee Ann's compassion and quick thinking saved her father's life on two separate occasions. Her caring nature extended beyond her profession, as she always prioritized the needs of others above her own. Lee Ann loved music, particularly Third Eye Blind, a nationally recognized group that she knew personally.  She found great joy in attending their concerts.

Whether cheering on her favorite team, caring for her patients, spending time with loved ones, or attending a concert, Lee Ann's presence brought light and laughter to all of those who were around her. She extended her working years to include cleaning the Mt. Zion Church and parsonage and will be remembered by many as a much beloved waitress at The Valley Diner in Elk Creek.  Lee Ann's life was filled with gratitude and appreciation for any act of kindness that was shown to her or to her boys.

In addition to a host of friends, Lee Ann is survived by her two sons, Brayden Kelly and Jace Kelly both of Elk Creek; her husband, Fabian Kelly of Wytheville, VA; her mother, Nell Cannoy Sutherland of Elk Creek, VA; sister, Amy Phillips and Mike Funk of Elk Creek; brother, Derek Sutherland of PA; mother-in-law, Debra Stanley of Wytheville, VA; step-son, Jacob Kelly of Wytheville, VA; special friend, Aunt Brenda Anderson of Elk Creek, VA; nephews, Cade Phillips, Camden Phillips, and Liam Sutherland; one niece, Holly Sutherland; several Aunts, Cousins; special friends/cousins, Vicki Cannoy Hankins, Emily Sutherland Crouse, Tracey Phipps Cummings, Janet Fallon; and extended family also survive.

Funeral services will be conducted on Sunday evening, May 5, 2024, at 5:00 PM at the Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home in Independence, VA. The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service from 3:00-5:00 PM.  Sunset burial will follow in the Lebanon Cemetery in Elk Creek.

Flowers will be appreciated or memorial contributions may be made to the Mt. Zion United Methodist Church c/o Susan Delp 715 Mt. Zion Road Elk Creek, VA 24326, Elk Creek Rescue Squad PO Box 130 Elk Creek, VA 24326, or the Lebanon Cemetery Fund.

Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home in Independence, VA is serving the Kelly family.