Annie Ruth Smith Kelley was recognized posthumously at the local Yadkin River Patriots Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution Christmas Party Dec. 8 at the Badin Inn.
Recognition was given for the accomplishments of Kelley during her lifetime in Stanly County.
She was a graduate of the Duke University nursing school, leading her to advance nursing education, including at Stanly Community College where the School of Nursing and a building are named after her. She served as the first woman in North Carolina to be a Chair of the Board of Trustees at a community college.
Kelley was the recipient of the NC Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award twice.
Also, she was a leader in the local Democratic Party, Stanly Hospital Medical Auxiliary, and the Albemarle Downtown Development Corporation.
Janet Ross, member of the Yadkin River Patriots American History Committee, told the Chapter members of the accomplishments of Kelley and then presented the DAR Women in American History award to the recipient’s family members attending. A certificate and medal were given to Anne Harwood and her sister, Sandy Kelley Johnson, daughters of Annie Ruth Kelley.