Obituary of Kelly Bray Simons

We celebrate the generous life of Kelly Bray Simons who was born on May 9, 1960 in Alexandria, VA. and spent her whole life in Morgantown, WV. Kelly passed away on Sunday, January 1, 2017, at her residence. She is the fifth daughter of Celia Bray of Morgantown and the late William Bray. Kelly earned her Bachelor and Master of Science in Social Work from West Virginia University and spent her entire career serving the disenfranchised, patients and families through her work as a social worker with the Department of Health and Human Services and Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, WV. She also served as the first director of the Rosenbaum Family House. In addition to her professional contributions, she served as the President of the Council of Social Services for Monongalia County; served as the co-leader of the first HIV support group in Morgantown; and was a charter board member for Caritas House which serves those living with HIV. She spent most of her career serving patients and families at Ruby Memorial Hospital with a particular expertise in HIV and oncology. Kelly was the social worker for the inaugural bone marrow transplant program assisting patients and families as they transitioned through the disease process toward healthy, vibrant lives. Unfortunately, in 1997, Kelly became a patient within her bone marrow unit. Those who knew and loved Kelly know how she bravely overcame many serious health conditions. Her family and friends admired her will to survive and how she lived life to the fullest. In 1999, she was also recognized by the Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center as the Inspirational Patient of the Year. In addition to her many friends and Kelly’s mother, she is survived by her spouse, Dr. Melanie J. Cook; her mother Celia (Shisler) Bray and her sisters Jo Ann (David) Faggert of Chesapeake, VA, Nancy Mazzuckelli of Morgantown, Patricia (Gary) Toothman of Morgantown, and Pamela Guariglia (Terry Berglund) of Virginia Beach, VA; and in-laws Jean D. Cook and Dung (Corinne) and Steven Cook; her aunt, Dolores Thomas and uncle Charles (Carrie) Shisler, several nieces, nephews and cousins. In keeping with Kelly’s wishes cremation services will be provided by Hastings Funeral Home, Omega Crematory. A celebration of life service will be held at Hastings Funeral Home, 153 Spruce Street, Morgantown Saturday, January 7, 2017, from 2 p.m until the time of the service at 4 p.m. with Chaplain James R. Riggs and Chaplain James E. Morley officiating. Contributions may be made in Kelly's memory to Rosenbaum Family House, 30 Family House Drive, PO Box 8228, Morgantown, WV 26506, or to a charitable organization of your choice.