Kelly Elizabeth Close was born on July 15, 1978 in Savannah, GA.

She attended Calvary Baptist Day School early on and later Richmond Hill High School where she graduated from in 1996. She attended the University of Georgia and graduated from there with a B.S. in environmental health science. She then obtained her Master's degree from the Medical College of Georgia. She worked at MCG for 10 years as an industrial hygienist and was promoted to manager while there. She then worked at Georgia Southern University as the director of the environmental health and safety office for 7 years. Last, she worked for the Board of Regents over the University System of Georgia for 3 years.

She loved her Yorkshire terrier, Prissy, whom she had as a companion for 16 years. And, she loved visiting her best friends, many of whom are now military spouses, in places such as Clemson, Athens, Guam, Germany, New Mexico, Hawaii, and Washington, D.C. She loved her family very much too and attended snow skiing trips to Whistler, Lake Tahoe, and Killington. She enjoyed warm-weather family vacations as well to the Florida Keys, Myrtle Beach, Portland, and Hiawassee.

She is survived by her parents, Jan and Gary Close, and her brother, Brian Close.

A graveside service to honor her life will be held on Wednesday September 10th at 11a.m. at Oak Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to the Pet Peace program of Hospice Savannah in honor of Kelly Close.