Kelly Lauren Whitted

Kelly Lauren Whitted, 36, of Fort Worth, Texas, passed away on Thursday, October 8, 2015 surrounded by her loving family.

Kelly was born May 21, 1979 in Beaumont, Texas to Janet and Joe Whitted formerly of Silsbee, Texas. She spent her childhood years attending Silsbee schools and was an honor graduate of the Silsbee High School class of 1997. She began dancing at the age of 3.

Kelly attended Texas A&M University in College Station and graduated in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science degree in broadcast journalism and a minor in dance. While at Texas A&M, she was president of Dance Arts Society. Kelly was on staff at Pat Riddle School of Dance in Colleyville before purchasing the studio with her business partner, Jillian Teague. The studio then became Artistry In Motion Performing Arts Center and relocated to North Richland Hills. The studio employs 20 instructors and teaches over 400 students.

Survivors: Kelly is survived by her mother, Janet Whitted, of Fort Worth, her father, Joe Whitted of Bedford, her sister Allison and brother-in-law, Josh Strother, beloved nieces Corinne and Leila Grace Strother, all of Haslet, grandmother Corinne "Pete" Whitted of Katy, Texas and Dorothy "Dot" Guess of Rogers, Texas and many aunts, uncles and cousins who loved her dearly. She will also be missed by her sweet dachshund Zoe who has been by her side for the past 9 years.

Service: Memorial Gathering will be Sunday, October 11 from 6 to 8 pm at Lucas Funeral Home in Grapevine. Memorial Service will be Monday, October 12 at 10:00 am at First Baptist Church Grapevine with Pastor Doug Page officiating.

Memorials: Memorials may be made to the Kelly Whitted Scholarship Fund at Artistry In Motion Performing Arts Center in North Richland Hills.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Ardent and Vitas Hospices, Joanne Axberg, Gary Berglund, Lynn Moffitt, and Kelly's many caregivers. A special thanks to the entire dance family and the Chris Lott Sunday School Class.