Denise McLendon Kelly

Denise McLendon Kelly, age 64, of Pensacola, FL passed away peacefully on March 21st, surrounded by her loving family.

Born August 14th, 1961 at Eglin Air Force base in Fort Walton Beach, FL. She grew up in Pensacola and was a graduate of Escambia High School. In her younger years, Denise enjoyed the beach, surfing, snorkeling, boating & roller skating. Denise lived a life defined by boundless love, generosity, and an enormous heart for others. She married the love of her life, Glenn Kelly, on November 13th 1982, and together they built a home filled with warmth, laughter, and possibly a little bit of chaos while they raised three boys. She poured endless care, wisdom and encouragement into their lives. However, her greatest joy came as “Mimi” to her 6 grandchildren. Her hobbies then evolved into embroidery and sewing. She made many outfits, robes, dresses and even Halloween costumes for her 'grands' —Taylor, Colt, Grayson, Jackson, Madelyn and Scarlett—who were immensely adored and spoiled with affection, stories and homemade treats.

Denise will be remembered for her amazing sense of humor, her listening ear and her ability to make everyone feel seen and loved. Her kindness touched countless lives, and her legacy of compassion lives on in every person she helped.

She is survived by her husband Glenn; sons Heath (Dee), Nick (Caitlin), and Stewart (Alyssa); her favorite sister Karen “Ain’t Lisa” and brother Dink (Julie); her beloved grandchildren; her loving companion Mr. Sherman Peabody Wigglesworth III (ShermieP IYKYK); and a host of friends whose lives she brightened.

She was predeceased by her father, Robert D. McLendon Sr., her mother, Marie E. McLendon, and her brother John H. Mclendon.

A funeral service and celebration of life will be held 4/11/2026 @ 10:00am at Myrtle Grove Baptist Church. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Cancer Society Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Hope Lodge in Jacksonville, FL https://raiseyourway.donordrive.com/pages/1229 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org/give.html .

Her heart was her greatest gift, and it will never stop giving.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Denise McLendon Kelly, please visit our floral store.