Monday, April 13, 2026 10:39 am

Kelly Marie Herndon Short, 53, one of the world's brightest lights, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and loved ones on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at Atrium Health Cleveland Hospital in Shelby.

Kelly was the most caring, kind, and compassionate mom and friend to all who were lucky enough to meet her. She was preceded in death by her father, David Graham Herndon, mother Brenda Morrison Howard, and stepfather, Eddie Howard.

She was employed with Cigna Healthcare for 32 years, and made many lifetime friendships within the Cigna family. Kelly was an avid reader of science fiction and biographies, a trekkie, a social justice warrior, a finder of four leaf clovers, and a lover of music and the arts. Her open heart and open mind filled her home with several "bonus kids" and animals, whom she was known as "Miss Mom" to. Kelly was a fierce fighter of cancer until the very end, and the truest example of independence and unconditional love.

Kelly is survived by her loving husband (Duane Short), her two children (Georgia Short) (Novella Short), her bonus kids (Brandon McDowell) (N'Tijah Wray) (Desaray Richards), her sweet animals, and many others.

A celebration of life service will be held 12:00 PM Saturday, April 25, 2025 in the Chapel of Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm. Burial will follow the service at Sunset Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Levine Children's Hospital.

Online condolences may be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family.