Carole J. Kell

Carole Jean Kell, born November 18, 1939, passed away on October 16, 2025. She was devoted to her late husband Carlton “Corky” Kell. Carole served as an English teacher and middle school principal in Cobb County schools for 33 years; including East Cobb Middle, Dodgen Middle, Dickerson Middle and Hightower Trail Middle Schools. She is survived by two children: Kimberly Kell Stinson (Michael) and the Honorable Carlton LaTain Kell (Sheri). She is preceded in death by brother, L. Clinton Ballew and parents, David “Pistol” Ballew and Bertha Withrow Ballew. She leaves behind three beloved grandchildren: William Kell Stinson (Megan), Carly Elizabeth Stinson and Carlton LaTain Kell, Jr. (Olivia); great-grandchildren Michael Alexander Stinson and Miley Jean Stinson. She is also survived by her brother R. David Ballew (Janet) and nieces, Tammy Ballew Bowling, Robin Ballew and Bonnie Kell, as well as great nephews Robbie Ballew and Evan Bowling. Carole was a longtime member of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church and a tireless advocate for the Cobb community. She dedicated her time and talents to advancing education, healthcare, and the arts. Her work touched countless lives through her involvement in Cobb education, high school athletics, Wellstar Health System, and the Cobb Chamber of Commerce. Among her many honors, she was named East Cobb Citizen of the Year (2006). She also served as Chairman of the “Give Our Schools a Hand” Committee (2009) and as a dedicated member for 18 years. Her leadership extended across numerous organizations: Chair of the Wellstar Cancer Council, Vice Chair of the Wellstar Kennestone Regional Board, Chair of the Wellstar Foundation Board of Trustees, and Chair of the YMCA Cobb Executive Board. Carole also served many years with the Cobb/Douglas Board of Health, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre ArtsBridge Program Committee, Cobb Chamber Business Education Steering Committee, Cobb Boys and Girls Club Board, and the Cobb Republican Women’s Club. Following the untimely passing of her husband, Carole poured her heart into supporting athletics and academics at Carlton J. Kell High School. She founded the Carlton J. Kell Teacher Scholarship program and the Corky Kell Excellence in Coaching Award; as well as served on the advisory committee for Kell High School and the Corky Kell Kickoff Classic. Carole loved spending time at the north Georgia farm that has been owned by the Kell family for nearly 200 years. She was a member of the Capt. James Kell chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Friends called her the “Biscuit Queen” and she hosted many legendary southern breakfast gatherings for her close friends and family. A lifelong lover of English and reading, Carole influenced thousands of young people—many of whom went on to become educators themselves. She was a mentor to students, teachers, and principals alike, and her impact will be felt for generations to come. The family will receive friends Tuesday, October 21, 2025 from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. at Mayes Ward Dobbins Funeral Home, Historic Marietta Chapel. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church in the Sanctuary. Interment will follow at Evergreen Memorial Park, formerly known as Copper Ridge Memorial Garden, in McCaysville, GA. In lieu of flowers, Carole requested donations be made to the Wellstar Foundation.

Carole J. Kell

November 18, 1939 - October 16, 2025