After a life of dedicated service to the care and well-being of others, Kelly Manning Walter, age 62, passed away on Monday, November 13th, 2023, while surrounded by her family. Kelly was born on June 30th, 1961, to the late Cecil and Barbara Manning in Hampton, Virginia.

She was one of four children, all daughters, born to the couple along with her sisters Janet, Linda, and Kathryn.  She attended Bethel High School, a graduate of the class of 1979 and went on to attend the Riverside School of Health Professions where she was certified as a Licensed Practical Nurse in 1981. With that achievement, Kelly began what would be a 20-year commitment of service to the patients of Riverside Regional Medical Center. She would return to the institution in the new millennium, completing the requirements to become a Registered Nurse in 2003. In 1997, anxious for a new and rewarding challenge, Kelly branched out to the state's capital, beginning a new journey as a caregiver at Henrico Doctor's Hospital in Richmond, VA, where she would remain until illness brought on an early retirement.

In the span of her decorated career Kelly served in various positions of increased responsibility as a supervisor for Tama Home Health Agency, a Nursing Supervisor at Retreat Doctor's Hospital, and a contract nurse at numerous hospitals in Virginia. She also dedicated numerous hours to professional development, attaining certification as a Progressive Critical Care Nurse (PCCN), a Certified Medical Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN) and ascended to the level of Clinician III in the Clinical Ladder Program. In addition to her service as a nursing professional, Kelly served as an instructor at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, educating the next generation of nurses.

In 1986, she met her best friend and the love of her life, Michael Walter. Their union was indomitable and after three years together, Kelly and Mike were married in 1989 at Bethel Manor Chapel in Hampton. In those first few years, their son Christopher Michael was born, with a baby girl, Brittany Kayla soon to follow. It wouldn't be long until the couple settled into a new residence on Churchill Terrace, a dwelling much better fit for their growing family, and continued their lifelong journey together both as husband and wife, and as mother and father.

She is survived by her loving husband Michael; her children, Brittany (Craig) and Christopher (Ariane); and her beloved grandson Bentley, for whom she had more love in her heart than could reasonably be contained. In addition, Kelly is survived by her sisters, Linda Bartgis and Janet Cheek; her best friend Gayle Gray; and numerous other friends and family members.

For those that wish to honor Kelly, a Celebration of Life will be held at Hampton Friends Church, 1062 Big Bethel Road, Hampton, VA, 23666 on November 25th, 2023, at 1:00 PM.