Kelly Ayers Hamel

June 30, 2026

Kelly Ayers Hamel
(August 11, 1966 - June 30, 2026)

Kelly was born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina. Kelly graduated from South Mecklenburg High School in 1984 and followed in her parents' footsteps to Appalachian State University. Kelly never met a stranger and never missed an opportunity to engage with others. She was always on the go and always in search of the next fun thing to do. She loved sports, the mountains and the beach and generally being anywhere where people gathered to have fun.

Kelly shined as a wife, a mom and a friend. She met her husband, Billy, at a Halloween party in 1990. They married May 7, 1993, and they welcomed Brady (1997) and Hope (1999) into their family with pride and wonder. Kelly created a home and life for her family built on love, laughter and adventure where chaos often reigned over order and pomp and circumstance often took a back seat to improvisation. For Kelly's family, there was no question, they knew where love lived, and it was with her.

Outside of her family, Kelly worked as a teacher and most recently as a patient advocate at Novant Health Matthews Medical Center. Kelly retired in 2023. Kelly enjoyed running, walking, swimming, aerobics, yoga, golf and tennis and literally anything that kept her moving. If it involved getting to talk to other people that was a bonus. Faith was an important part of Kelly's life. She was never shy to share how God shaped her life and how 'God Winks' often saved her from disaster or reminded her who was in charge.

Kelly was diagnosed with brain cancer in December of 2024. She continued living life the Kelly way - loving others and bringing immense happiness and joy to those around her while fighting hard and heroically until the end.

Kelly is survived by her parents, Wayne and Linda Ayers, her brother, Greg Ayers (Koren), her husband, Billy Hamel, her children Brady Hamel (Kaki) and Hope Hamel (Max), her sweet ever present dog companion Millie and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at Waypoint Community Church/Belk Chapel, 2234 Radcliffe Ave, Charlotte, NC 28207. A reception will follow the memorial service in Queens Hall.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

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Comments

  • Langley Perry

    Coach Ayers and Linda,

    So sorry to see this news and know that your family is in the prayers of the entire Perry family

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  • Leigh Fischer

    Kelly was a joy to be around. I will miss her warm smile and happy presence. She put people at ease just by being herself. What a gift.

    Leigh Fischer

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  • Nan Harbinson Gray

    Kelly was one of my most loyal and best friends through Middle School at Quail Hollow and High School at South Meck. We spent countless hours together at Spring Valley Swim Club and during our years together growing up. Kelly made life joyful and fun, always. I send my deepest sympathy to her entire family.

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  • Reatha Andrew

    Wayne & Family,
    Sending love & gentle hugs in this difficult time❣️
    Sincerely,
    Reatha Andrew, former PHS math teacher

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  • Ashley Uber

    We know Kelly’s spirit is soaring in paradise. Love and peace to her dear family. The Ubers love Hope like our own family.

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  • Anne Dickinson

    Kelly cared for my husband, Charlie, the last week of his life in the hospital. She provided hope, compassion and comfort! She will always remain in my heart!

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  • Pam Summey

    I was blessed and privileged to work with Kelly at Novant Health Matthews. I cannot think of a time Kelly didn't have a smile on her face. She was the first one to organize activities and lend you a hand if your needed help. God's blessings and love to each of you. God has a new angel. Pam

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  • Bert and Joe Bistany

    Many fond memories as neighbors on Colchester Pl.especially when Kelly and Greg would line up in our front yard for the 4TH of July fireworks display..Our deepest sorrow .God Bless,Bert ,Joe and family.

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  • Jason Sharpe

    My condolences to Kelly’s family. I went to school with Kelly in Charlotte. I think maybe as early as Carmel Junior High School. We had a geometry class together back then. I remember her always having the most beautiful smile and eyes that always brightened up the room. .

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  • Michelle May

    I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Kelly. I worked with her at Novant and she was a sweet lady. She will be dearly missed. My prayers and condolences to her family.

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