Kelly Stringfellow Mercy lost her three-year struggle with cancer on Wednesday, August 31, 2022.

Kelly was born on September 2, 1956, to Top Gun and B-58 pilot Lieutenant Colonel Bill Stringfellow and Sherman native, Barbara Castleberry Stringfellow in Tripoli, Libya.

Kelly grew up traveling around the world experiencing everything Air Force families endure during their service. After attending 5 high schools Kelly graduated from Sherman High School, Austin College, and Texas A&M.

She was the first female umpire in Grayson County for Men's and Women's Softball and was recognized by many. Kelly taught and coached throughout Texas and led several volleyball and track stars through state playoffs.  She then left public education to become Assistant Athletic Director at SMU working with NFL Hall of Famer Forrest Gregg, to re-establish SMU in the collegiate ranks.Kelly was called back to education on the national level as Vice President for Edison Inc., before returning to Sherman ISD a principal and Collin College professor. Kelly also worked in conjunction with NTSB investigating and consoling educators surviving school shootings-starting with Columbine.

She also owned her beloved There's No Place Like Home gourmet / gift shop adjacent to the Durning House in Van Alstyne and was a local featured journalist for the Van Alstyne Leader.

Kelly was preceded in death by her grandparents, parents, brothers Mark and Robin and nephew Stephen Stringfellow.

She is survived by the love of her life and partner in crime, Betty Tarver, tons of family spanning the country, nieces, and nephews - Kimberly Propst, Kristi Shelton, Mark Stringfellow and family, along with her beloved stepson Richard Tarver and wife Raeanna Tarver, Grandsons Garrett and Gunner Tarver and Jennifer Hellinger Tarver. Her beloved stepdaughter Laura Reeves and husband Chris Reeves, and Grandchildren London, Christian, and Henry Reeves, stepdaughter Kristine Tarver Pharr and husband Steve and family.  Sister-in-law Nadi Crank and family, great and great-great nieces and nephews and of course those friends that were considered family including Ann Muirhead, Amy Jo Williams, Lori and Bill Shewman, Mary Keeton and Judy Flippin, Kim Williams and Kathy Busbey.

Kelly and Betty would like to thank Drs. Grant Craig, Tammy Roque, Jill Heffernan,Mike Issacs, Chuck Phelps, Jeannnine Hatt, and the Texas Oncology staff.

A special thank you to Cheryl Inman, Jennifer Haddock, and the entire team at Guardian Home Hospice.

In lieu of a memorial Kelly shared that in remembrance of her - serve those less fortunate than you-in your own way and in your own time! Kelly's favorite causes were local food pantries and animal rescue organizations.

Motto:

Walk in your Truth!

Share your story!

What a RIDE! BE KIND!

Love, Kelly