Lynn Priest Kellogg

Lynn Priest Kellogg died peacefully on December 3, 2024 at age 80 surrounded by loved ones after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s. Born on June 16, 1944, to Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Priest, Sr., Lynn grew up in Canton, Georgia, and graduated from Cherokee High School, where she was a cheerleader and a member of the girls sextet. She was also a member of the First Baptist Church of Canton. Lynn shared a lifelong bond with her husband, Larry Kellogg, whom she first met in middle school. Their love story began as childhood sweethearts and grew into 58 years of marriage. They became engaged at Fort Benning, Georgia, while Larry was serving in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Their time on the military base brought them lifelong friendships, and their marriage became an example of love and partnership, a true tale of soulmates. Before marriage, Lynn worked as a flight attendant for Eastern Airlines and was honored as the “Gibson Girl” of her training program, a recognition of her professionalism, elegance, and grace. After Larry’s military service, they returned to Athens, Georgia, where Lynn worked at C&S Bank while Larry completed pharmacy school. They eventually settled in Jasper, Georgia, where they became part owners of Jasper Drug Store. In Jasper, Lynn broke barriers as the first female executive at Georgia Marble Company, serving as Head of Human Resources and negotiating the first union contract for company employees. After stepping away to focus on raising her daughter, Jennifer, she returned to school at Brenau University to earn her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. Lynn became a dedicated and beloved teacher at Jasper City Schools, teaching 1st, 3rd, and 7th grades for 18 years. Her passion for learning and compassion for others inspired her daughter to also become an educator. A devoted member of the First Baptist Church of Jasper and the philanthropic organization P.E.O., Lynn was also an avid bridge player and cherished the time she spent playing with her dear friends. In the 1970s and 1980s, the Couples’ Bridge Club was about more than just cards–the group created lifelong memories through beach and ski trips with their families and were well-known for Christmas caroling throughout Wildwood Subdivision each December, an event joyfully led by Lynn. Lynn also had a passion for travel, exploring nearly all 50 states and numerous countries around the world with Larry. Her heart, however, always returned to her favorite destinations: Hilton Head Island and Disney World, which brought her immense happiness, especially when shared with her grandchildren and family. Lynn adored her grandchildren, Grant and Quinn, attending every sporting event, concert, and recital and creating countless memories with them. She also treasured time spent with her brother and sister-in-law, Janice and Herbert Priest, Jr. and her lifelong friends and in-laws, Gloria and Charles Kellogg. This close group shared decades of friendship and memories, beginning in elementary school. Throughout her life, Lynn’s defining attribute was a supreme kindness. She showered this virtue over everyone she met. Family, friends, and even complete strangers were pulled into her orbit by her word and deed reflecting the highest consideration for others. Lynn was preceded in death by her parents, Evelyn and Herbert Priest, Sr. She is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Larry Pirkle Kellogg; brother, Herbert Monroe Priest, Jr. (Janice) of Ball Ground; brother-in-law, Charles John Kellogg (Gloria) of Broomfield, Colorado; daughter, Jennifer Kellogg Kelley (Todd) of Rome, Georgia. Also surviving are two grandchildren who call her Nana: Grant and Quinn Sikes of Rome, Georgia and her step grandchildren, Conor, Shea, and Nolan Kelley of Rome, Georgia. There are also numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends who will miss her greatly. The family extends special gratitude to the staff at Renaissance Marquis and the Heyman Hospice team for their compassionate care during Lynn’s final weeks. A service honoring Lynn’s life will be held on Sunday, December 8, 2024, at Darby Funeral Home in Canton, Georgia, with David Stuart, Minister of Music Emeritus of First Baptist Church of Jasper, officiating. Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 PM, followed by the service at 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lynn’s memory to: ● St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Rome, Georgia: http://stpetersrome.org/giving/stewardship/ ● First Baptist Church, Jasper, Georgia: http://www.fbcjasper.com/online-giving/ ● The Alzheimer’s Association: https://act.alz.org/site/Donation2?df_id=32112&32112.donation=form1 Lynn will be remembered for her compassion, generosity, and the boundless love she gave to her family and community. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew her. The service will be live-streamed at: https://vimeo.com/event/4778502

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Lynn Priest Kellogg

June 16, 1944 - December 3, 2024