Rebeka "Beky" Kelley

Rebeka “Beky” Kelley, 65, of Newport, North Carolina, passed away at her home on Thursday, November 20, 2025.

Born on February 21, 1960, at Camp Pendleton, California, Beky was the daughter of John and Kathleen Kelley. Beky pursued her passion for marine life by attending the University of North Carolina in Wilmington, where she earned her bachelor's degree in marine biology. Her love of exploration took her to incredible places, including Antarctica, where she enjoyed her work and the experiences it provided. Never afraid of hard work, she worked in construction in her younger years. In more recent years, Beky worked as an Inventory Manager with Civil Service.

Always having a soft spot in her heart for animals, Beky was known for her compassionate spirit as a rescuer of both cats and dogs. She loved going to the beach and with her background in marine biology, she enjoyed scuba diving and seeing all the beauty under the sea.

Beky was a member of the Unitarian Coastal Fellowship in Morehead City. She will be fondly remembered as a loving daughter and supportive sister who loved her family.

Those remaining to cherish her memory are her mother, Kathleen Dirks Kelley of Cape Carteret, NC; sisters, Rachel Kelley (George Bernota) of Santa Monica, CA and Jessica Crews (David) of Manteo, NC; nephews, August Bernota and Kazimer Bernota; along with her faithful friend, her dog, Busy.

Beky was preceded in death by her father, John David Kelley.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made in Beky’s memory to a pet rescue charity of choice.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.