Patricia Caroline Kellett, a devoted long-term resident of Ft. Payne, Alabama, passed away on the morning of Monday, September 29, 2025, at the age of 69, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. Despite her illness, Patricia’s radiant smile and unwavering kindness never faded, touching the hearts of all who knew her.
Patricia is lovingly remembered by her son, Evan Kellett Roberts; her sisters, Diane Kellett (Terry) Mitchell of Montgomery, Alabama, and JoAnne Kellett Milhoan of Montevallo, Alabama and a beautiful collection of cherished nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Patricia’s enduring spirit and warmth will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Patricia was born November 28, 1955, in Fort Payne to Joseph Cabot Kellett, Jr. and Paddy (Watson) Kellett. She grew up in a family that prized service and education. After earning her B.A. from the University of Alabama in 1978 and her J.D. from the UA School of Law in 1983, she returned to DeKalb County to begin the work that would define her life.
At Kellett & Kellett, P.A., where she had a life long legal practice with her father, Patricia blended sharp analysis with uncommon patience. Clients came to her for business and estate planning, insurance and civil litigation, and family law; they stayed because she listened. She was known to draft one more careful paragraph, make one more phone call, and explain one more time—until people felt at peace. Her admissions included the Alabama State Bar and the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama.
Beyond the office, “Budgie” loved Mentone—the long views from Lookout Mountain, the arts and music around town, and the rhythm of small-town friendships. She cheered the Crimson Tide, and she poured quiet energy into [church/home congregation], [bar or community boards], and neighbors who needed a hand. She was blessed with a full and successful career, measured not in the number of cases won but by the number of people helped.
Although Patricia was very accomplished in her professional career, nothing meant more to her than her family, particularly her son Evan and his beloved cat Kitty Princess. Throughout their lives together, they enjoyed all things living in Little River Canyon afforded them, whether hiking, camping, swimming, learning about nature, rock formations and wildlife. As the years passed they enjoyed music concerts and traveling and, of course, University of Alabama Football. While Evan was enrolled in school in Chattanooga, Patricia traveled from Ft. Payne to Chattanooga almost daily to help him with his studies, but mostly to spend time with this lovely young man who has grown into a fine, brilliant person.
A memorial service, followed by a Celebration of Life for Patricia Kellett will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, beginning at 11:00 a.m. Central Daylight Time in the Chapel of Wilson Funeral Home, 3801 Gault Avenue North, Ft. Payne, AL 35967.
A celebration of life will follow beginning at 1:00 pm in the Back Forty Ballroom, located in the W. B. Hosiery Mill, 151 8th Street NE, Fort Payne, Alabama 35967.
In lieu of flowers, the Kellett family requests memorial donations be made to The Children’s Advocacy Center, 104 Alabama Avenue, NW., Fort Payne, Alabama or a charity of your choice.
The Kellett Family would like to acknowledge the services of Hospice of North Alabama and the services of As Close as Family.
