Carter, Kelli Elaine
Kelli Elaine Carter, a beloved daughter, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend, passed away in Dublin, on June 6th, 2025, at the age of 51. She filled our lives with laughter and love, and her beautiful, vibrant spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Kelli is survived by her loving mother, Janis Carter, and her cherished daughter, Kaila Grantham. She was a devoted grandmother to her beloved granddaughter, Talia “Monks” Carter. Kelli also leaves behind her brother, Carl Carter, her treasured niece, Cayden Carter, and her niece and nephew, Wonder and Chance Carter. She will be dearly remembered by her aunts, uncles, and cousins. Kelli was predeceased by her beloved father, Rod Carter, her grandparents, Kelly and Ethelene Fagg, Harlan and Margaret Carter, and her great-grandfather, Carl Wattenbarger.
Kelli was an active and dedicated member of First Christian Church in Pulaski, with a passion for Gods love growing daily. She was passionate about providing support and kindness to help others overcome past challenges. Her compassionate spirit led her to travel to Haiti on a mission trip for several weeks in 2012. Kelli also contributed to the Roanoke City Police Department, assisting in the development of programs for at-risk youth, and volunteered her time at the Roanoke Rescue Mission, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to serving her community.
Kelli shared a special passion for shooting with her father, enjoying time together at various ranges. She found joy in camping with her niece and pouring her soul into her granddaughter creating cherished memories with both of them. Her big, beautiful, optimistic heart found joy in a lot of things in this world like sitting on the beach soaking in the rays with her toes in the sand or going on a hike and enjoying nature but, ultimately her family would take the lead.
A visitation will be held at First Christian Church in Pulaski, Virginia, on Sunday, June 29th, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, followed by the funeral service at 3:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kelli’s memory to the BackPack Program at Snowville Elementary or to the charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.seaglefuneralhome.com Arrangements by Seagle Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Pulaski. 540-980-1700
July 5, 2025 @ 8:02 am
A Tribute to Kelli
by Gary
Kelli was a one-of-a-kind soul — compassionate, driven, and endlessly generous. As a job coach, she didn’t just help people find work; she helped them discover their purpose, their worth, and their confidence. In my 25 years as a therapist, I’ve never worked alongside someone who poured so much heart into her role. She wasn’t just good at her job — she was extraordinary.
Kelli played a pivotal role in helping secure the funding that brought the Growth Through Opportunity program — the GTO — to life. That program gave so many young adults a chance to explore meaningful work using the police department as a place of training and belonging. Without Kelli’s determination, that door would never have opened.
She never gave up on people. I think especially of the young woman we spent three years trying to place in a funeral home job. Most would have walked away, but not Kelli. She stood by her — and me — every step of the way. That journey gave both of us a perspective we’ll never forget. And then there was the day she drove a client all the way from Roanoke to Richmond so they could chase their dream of becoming a pharmacy tech. That was Kelli — never counting the miles, always counting the heart.
Yes, Kelli had her struggles. Life wasn’t always kind or easy for her. But no matter what she was facing, she gave. To her family, her clients, her friends — to me. When she had extra, she shared. She gave gifts that weren’t just thoughtful, they were unforgettable. I still treasure the ones she picked out for me — not because they were fancy, but because they were filled with care and love.
Kelli was more than a co-worker, more than a partner. She was someone I loved deeply and richly. Her impact on this world, on the lives of so many, will ripple far beyond today. I miss her terribly, but I carry her with me — and I always will.
With love always,
Gary
July 5, 2025 @ 7:22 pm
That was a wonderful tribute, Gary. Thank you for sharing it.