Kelli Alison McConnell

Kelli Alison McConnell, a magnificent, multi-faceted woman, full of boundless love, endless laughs, and spiritual wisdom transitioned from this world on Sunday, November 7th. For the last 22 months, she battled fiercely against an aggressive cancer with remarkable hope, determination, and grace. Although the ultimate loss has been heartbreaking, the path she walked continues to be an inspiration to every life she touched. To the very end, she refused to be defined by the disease that took her; no words can fully convey the depth of beauty and the breadth of experience she shared while she walked amongst us. This testament by her friends and family will attempt to capture some of it.

Born October 27, 1982, Kelli spent most of her adolescent years in her hometown of Marietta, Georgia. Growing up with two younger sisters, she led by example guiding them to be strong, free-willed, and fiercely loving women. As a daughter she was wise beyond her years and compassionate towards others, always tending to people's hearts and souls. For her Daddio she was and always will be his “Tiny dancer…pretty eyed…pirate smile…dancing in the sand...now she’s in me...always with me...tiny dancer in my hand.”

Known for her piercing blue eyes, bouncy curls, silly disposition, and zany humor; Kelli made fast friends with anyone lucky enough to cross her path. After attending the University of Georgia, she followed the call of her free spirit and took the world in her hands: spending time as an Au Pair in France, hang-gliding at Lookout Mountain, farming in Hawaii, yachting in Alaska, event planning in Seattle, sprinkling many other adventures in-between. Through her endless seeking, she cultivated unforgettable relationships and discovered her passion to heal.

No matter where her travels took her, Kelli’s heart always found its way back to Athens, Georgia, where she allowed her many restorative practices to take root. Her healing power has taken many forms: helping people find clarity through her Tarot readings, practicing Reiki to re-align the energy for those in need, and teaching the beauty of spirituality to those around her. Whether softness or tough love, Kelli really saw people and knew what to bring to the table each time. Kelli took every opportunity to build people up, supporting them in the ways they needed; in ways others often failed to notice. Complimenting and celebrating those around her at every victory or pulling them in under her wing in their darkest hour. She never abandoned those in need and always put them before herself. Her giving spirit never failed to amaze those in her presence.

Kelli's empathy knew no bounds and enabled her to connect deeply with people from all walks of life. She poured her passion into her position as the Director of Religious Exploration at Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens, embracing every opportunity to spread joy and light across the congregation. No matter what, she was so authentically herself: her deeply loving self, her wild hair self, her sassy big sister self, her powerful healer self, her humble praying self.

Music provided the perfect backdrop to every moment and often served as a binding force in her relationships. Music was and is the sonic representation of Kelli’s infinite love. Everyone has a song that reminds them of Kelli, and each time that song is heard, we’ll be taken back to those special moments we shared with her.

As Kelli so thoughtfully stated in a CaringBridge post “Our nature is to love, but love is the only vessel that can carry grief and these experiences are inextricable from the human experience. They can never be separated. To love is to lose, but to never love is worse.”

Kelli is survived by her beloved partner, Jason Huffer, her mother, Sheila McConnell, her father, Robert McConnell, and sisters, Kenna McConnell and Natalie Crosby, brother-in-laws Logan Todd and Taylor Crosby, niece Collier and nephew Witt. Her whole life was spent spreading her contagious love and laughter from coast to coast. There is no one who knew her who did not love her, and the wild luminescence of her life will live on within our hearts.

Celebration of Life will be hosted on Saturday, November 27th at The Hill in Athens, Georgia. 1800 Crescent Lane Athens, Georgia 30607

10am-11am Visitation

11am- Ceremony

Post Ceremony Reception to follow

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude for the outpouring of love and support in all its many forms during this time of profound loss and appreciates the recognition for their need for privacy. Check back soon on how to donate towards the fight against cancer, Kelli McConnell Foundation or memorial fund is in the works, in the coming days and weeks ahead.

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, Watkinsville, is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com