Kelly Julia Hernandez, age 53, of Addison, MI, passed away on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, at ProMedica Toledo Hospital. She was born on May 6, 1971, in Dearborn, MI, the daughter of Herbert Joseph and Ana Julia (Mueller) Mitchell. At the age of fifteen she became good friends with Joe Hernandez Jr. and eventually they were joined in marriage on May 8, 1998 at Bethel Baptist Church in Southgate, MI, and they enjoyed over 26 years together before her passing.
Kelly was a wonderful homemaker and a huge supporter of the sporting events in which her children were involved. This was especially true for the softball team. She loved the Clinton school district and was extremely involved and supportive of it while her children were attending there. Kelly had a passion for animals, especially the Akita breed of dogs. She loved showing them and had a number of championship Akitas. Kelly found great joy in preparing meals and made her family sitting around the family table for Sunday dinner a non negotiable. Her voice always filled the home with music as she worked in the kitchen or on the many car rides to and from school with the kids. She loved listening to WMUZ. All in all, Kelly was an amazing mother, wife, and person, and will be greatly missed by many.
In addition to her husband, Joe, Kelly is survived by her mother, Ana Mitchell of Southgate, MI, five children, Cordell Joseph (Kennedy Proffitt), Payton Julia Hernandez, Zander Jackson Hernandez, Taryn Jo Hernandez, and Tiana Joelle Hernandez, all of Addison, MI; and her brother, Erik Mitchell of Southgate, MI.
Kelly was preceded in death by her father and both her paternal and maternal grandparents.
A memorial service for Kelly will take place at 3:00 pm, Saturday, January 4, 2025, at the Tecumseh Chapel of Handler Funeral Homes with Pastor Tom Hawkins officiating. Visitation will be from 12:00 pm until the time of the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in honor of Kelly may be made to the family. In lieu of wearing black, the family would encourage everyone to consider wearing something pink, which was Kelly’s favorite color. In any case, do not dress up special. She would not have liked that. Just come as you are and celebrate her life with us.