Margarett Denise Kelly was born November 7, 1961 in Vero Beach, Florida to Rev. Samuel A. Sr. and Evangelist Leila Kelly. She attended the local schools in Indian River County and was a graduate of Vero Beach High School Class of 1979. She continued her education endeavors at Florida Agriculture and Mechanical University (FAMU) earning her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education in 1985 and her master’s degree in education in 1987. Margarett was a devoted God-Fearing, loving, passionate, unique and a reliable woman who touched the lives of everyone she met. Margarett was employed with Indian River County School District for 37 1/2 years. During those years she worked at Dodgertown Elementary (formerly Clemans Elementary, 1985 – 2005), Vero Beach Elementary (2005 - 2015) and Indian River Academy (20I5 - to present). Margarett was a devoted teacher and was named Teacher of the Year several times. She loved working with her kindergarten students. She had a zest for life and instilled that love of life in the young children she touched daily. She loved teaching children so much, she worked during the summers in Step into Kindergarten from its inception 10 years ago, preparing students for the up-coming school year. Margarett was a champion for all children and will be missed by many.

Margarett was a faithful member of Mt. Pleasant Primitive Baptist Church, Ft. Pierce, FL. She served in many positions including, New Beginnings Choir, Praise Team, Vacation Bible School cook, kitchen crew, and a substitute Sunday School Teacher. Using her creative talents, she was also instrumental in decorating the church’s first MLK Jr. Day Parade Float.

Margarett was very active in her community as well. She was initiated into (1989) and was a member of the Ft. Pierce Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (FPAC). She was one of the first FPAC committee chairpersons of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Youth Group, the Delteens (presently called the Delta GEMS) and worked with the young ladies for numerous years. Margarett later became the committee chairperson of the Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy. The Delta Academy allowed her to continue working with the youth as she helped to enrich and enhance their educational needs to save young females from academic failures and low self-esteem. Margarett was a member of FAMU National Alumni Association - St. Lucie County Chapter. She was very active with her local chapter.

Margarett transitioned to her Heavenly home on Tuesday, April 4, 2023. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, John Lewis Jr., Amos Bennefield Jr., Drolly Bennefield and Samuel A. Kelly, Jr.; and sisters, Tevis Bennefield, Dora Hunter, Maggie Lee Burch, Leila Forbes and Susie Mae Laing.

Left to cherish her memories are her devoted husband, Tiplen H. Morris Sr. of Vero Beach, FL; daughters, Shakirra G. Bennefield of Vero Beach, FL and Leila Delacruz of Tallahassee, FL; sons, Steven S. Kelly-Forbes of Greensboro, NC, Andrew T. Bennefield, Sr. and Derric L. Bennefield both of Vero Beach, FL; grandsons, Kaiden A. H. Francois and Kamren A. Francois both of Vero Beach, FL; stepsons, Tiplin H Morris, Jr. and Cameron Morris both of Ft. Pierce, FL brothers, Lem Bennefield and Bobby L. Usher both of Vero Beach, FL; sister, Ernestine Wiggins of Vero Beach, FL; brother-in-law, Alvern Forbes; God daughter, Tamara Troutman; best friends, Loretta Carter and Cynthia Poole and a host of nephews, nieces, in-laws and other family members.

Public visitation for Margarett Denise Kelly will take place on Friday, April 14, 2023 from 4:00pm-6:30pm which will be followed by the Omega Omega Service performed by the ladies of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. all taking place at Greater Mount Pleasant Primitive Baptist Church in Fort Pierce, FL. Funeral Services will convene on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at Greater Mount Pleasant Primitive Baptist Church in Fort Pierce, FL beginning at 11:00am. Burial will follow in Gifford Cemetery.

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