Clara Propst Kelly

Clara Propst Kelly, 89 years old of Black Mountain, NC, lived a beautiful, giving life. She always provided her family and those around her with a warm welcome and care through food, time, and precious moments, never expecting anything in return. Her family adored her as she was always there for them as the oldest daughter to her parents, sister to her younger siblings, Mom to her only child, Nana to her precious granddaughters, great-grandmother, grandmother-in-law, and mother-in-law.

Clara was born to the late Woodrow and Mary (Williams) Propst in Buncombe County on April 17, 1935. She was preceded in death by her brothers, J.D., Daniel, Norman, and Bill Propst, and her sisters, Virginia Beddingfield and Mary Alice Propst. She is survived by her daughter, Pam Collins (Don); granddaughters, Megan Dennis (Sooz) and Kelsie Collins; great-granddaughter, Eloise Dennis, and brother, Gary Propst.

Clara worked for 40 years at the local power company under the various names throughout those years – Carolina Power & Light, Progress Energy, and Duke Energy. She was a staple in the office and many people knew her. Whether making payments or assisting those in our area with clerical power issues and needs, she was always kind and provided true caring customer service.

Clara volunteered with the local Kiwanis Thrift Store for over 10 years. She enjoyed giving back to her community and loved the socialization where she often saw people she had served at the power company over the years. 

Clara, Mom, Nana…as she was called by her family and friends, had a true servant’s heart. She lived her faith daily and provided an incredible legacy to those close to her. She truly embodied all five love languages; however, “acts of service” was her specialty.

There will be a Celebration of Life Graveside Service to honor this special lady on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at 1 pm at Mountain View Church in Black Mountain when her grandchildren can be back home to honor her.

The family would like to give very special thanks to Four Seasons Hospice and all the many wonderful, compassionate people who cared for Clara. They attended to her like family and treated her with the kindness and respect she deserved in the last days of her life.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to honor Clara Kelly to Kiwanis Thrift Store in Black Mountain or Four Seasons Foundation in Hendersonville, NC.

Groce Funeral Home on Tunnel Road is assisting the family.