Kelley Deanna Wamsley

It is with profound sadness that the family of Kelley Deanna Wamsley of Buford Georgia announce her passing on January 15, 2026, at the age of 47 years.

Kelley will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 17 years, Jacob Haigler Wamsley III, her daughter Addison Kristina Wamsley, her mother Joanne Padgett Catron, her step-mother Davina M Johnson, her sister Kristina Kee Humble (Robert Thomas Humble II), her sister Melissa Paige Johnson, her brother Wesley Dowdle McConnell (Wesley Brian Sumpter), her niece Kelley Kadance Humble, her nephew Gabriel McConnell Humble, her nephew Declan Thomas Humble, and her nephew Cameron Holloway, as well as many numerous relatives and friends.

Kelley was predeceased by her loving father, Harold Lamar Johnson, her grandmother, Jaunita Hester Hogan, her step-grandfather, Robert James Hogan, her grandfather, Lyle Johnson, Jr., and her father-in-law, Jacob Haigler Wamsley II.

Kelley was born in Atlanta, Georgia on May 31, 1978, daughter of Harold Lamar Johnson and Joanne Padgett Catron. She was raised in Georgia, where she developed an early love for athletics, playing soccer as a teenager and embracing a lifelong passion for outdoor adventure. As an adult, Kelley found joy in staying active through running, rock climbing, spelunking, ballooning, skiing, biking, and swimming. She earned her undergraduate degree from Georgia State University in 2002, specializing in computer programming. She quickly secured a notable position at the Centers for Disease Control as Database Administrator and Sample Specialist for Battelle Institute. In 2008, she transferred to the Battelle's Tidewater Virginia office and worked closely as a Department of Defense Project Manager and married Jacob the same year in Norfolk. In 2012 to be closer to family, she and her family moved back to the Atlanta area where she was able to transition back into the Laboratory Sample support Specialist role at the Centers for Disease Control. Throughout all of this, Kelley always had a longing to be outdoors and active. She took part in countless road races and even completed a half marathon while pregnant. Kelley only missed the Peachtree Road Race the year of her daughter's birth, the following year, she actually carried her daughter the entire race in a baby carrier. Kelley was a true giver of her time and energy. She cherished time spent with her grandparents and especially her daughter Addison who was the light of her life. Kelley wanted nothing but the best for Addison and dedicated herself into ensuring her happiness. She was a common fixture at her daughter's school events serving on the PTO board. Kelley could also be found backstage helping her daughter and the other students during Addison's ballet performances. When she finally did get time to herself, she loved nothing more than to sit on the porch at her camp house with a cup of coffee in the morning and listen to the river. Kelley's generous spirit, love for life, and open heart touched all who knew her and will be deeply missed.

Family and friends will gather Thursday February 5, 2026 from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM at A.S. Turner & Sons Funeral Home & Crematory, 2733 N Decatur Rd, Decatur, GA 30033.

Memorial donations may be made in Kelley Deanna Wamsley's name to Addison K Wamsley's Path2College 529 Plan (877)424-4377 www.path2college529.com.