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KELLY, EBONY SHAWN

August 12, 2020 7 Condolences

Ebony Kelly web pics

August 22, 1970 ~ August 7, 2020

Ebony Shawn Kelly, 49, passed away peacefully at Banner University Hospital after a protracted illness and hospitalization.

Ebony was born in Minneapolis, MN, the daughter of Alma Frances Kelly and eventually Arthur Lee Curry, Jr. She attended and graduated North Community High School 1988 in Minneapolis. She received her degree in Travel and Tourism from Arizona State University 1995 in Tempe.

Ebony spent much of her career as a travel agent, working as a floating agent and was eventually employed by American Express. She was also an entrepreneur, selling Nicaraguan pottery she brought back from her numerous trips to Costa Rica. In addition, she sold bath products under the name Ebony’s Essence at various fairs and Farmer’s Markets.

Ebony had a passionate and competitive spirit which she honed on the basketball and tennis courts on the North Side of Minneapolis. She would eventually go on to play both sports in high school. Despite her shorter stature, Ebony, aka “Spud Eb” was a force on the JV and Varsity Polars High School teams. When she began at ASU in 1988, she was also a walk on player for their women’s basketball team. Travel was also a passion. She frequently would meet up with friends all over the world and traveled on her own internationally several times over. Most notably she loved Costa Rica, even wanting to move there. She learned about “Pura Vida”, i.e. “pure life”, a phrase and lifestyle embraced by Costa Rican’s that embodied Eb’s love for life and empathy for others. She enjoyed shooting pool and like any of Ebony’s passions she immersed herself and studied the craft to be the best. When she had to undergo a double lung transplant in August of 2009, she simply shifted her path but did not slow her passion – or competitive spirit.

She was preceded in death by: Alma (Kelly) Curry, mother and Arthur Lee Curry, Jr, stepfather.

Ebony is survived by Endea Curry (sister), Erick Curry (brother), Stepsiblings: Christine (Olusesan) Oshinubi-Curry (sister), Alvin (Wanda) Curry (brother), Carol (Lenoard) Curry-Knight; her significant other of 7 years Leo Satterwhite; and a whole host of nieces, nephews, extended family, friends and people she mentored.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m., Sunday, August 16, 2020 at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85018.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Donate Life America and/or you can register to become an organ donor.

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Condolence Messages

  1. Amy K. Accola

    August 14, 2020 at 2:27 pm

    Ebony, I miss you already and all the talks and laughs we shared. So thankful for meeting you so long ago,and staying in touch all these years.
    Wish we had more time, we had a lot to do but I will take you on my adventures and think of you always. Such a true friend, not many like you and I will definitely miss all the things that make you so special. Pura Vida my friend, so much love to you! xoxo Amy

  2. Todd Hanley

    August 16, 2020 at 11:02 am

    We will miss Eb, so many times she made me laugh, I’ll always remember all the great times we had together at ASU events and parties at JP’s
    Peace Eb,
    Love Todd , or as you. And only you called me “Oso”..

  3. Kathy Greene

    August 16, 2020 at 12:04 pm

    I love yo u, big sister Ebony! Endea, Leo and Eryk, my heart aches for you. We’ve lost a beautiful soul.

  4. Thelma Harris

    August 16, 2020 at 12:15 pm

    Deepest condolences to the family over the loss of Ebony. She was full of life and joy which she shared with anyone blessed to be in her presence. May the peace of God comfort each of you during these difficult times. Your cousin, Thelma Harris, Sacramento, CA

  5. David Issitt

    August 17, 2020 at 1:51 am

    I never actually met Ebony.

    Over the last few years, We’ve been regular opponents in the online game Words with Friends.
    We got to chatting mainly over our shared love of music.
    Ebony was always so positive, with such a sunny disposition & never complained.

    I know that she loved her guy & was so proud of her sister.
    She can be proud of herself too.

    RIP Ebony

  6. Jeff N. Lindsey

    September 7, 2020 at 10:23 am

    My deepest condolences to all the Families. I just found out about Ebony’s passing away last month on the 7th Of August! May she Rest In peace Heaven and her spirit continue to Shine Bright. Much Love & Aloha,
    Da Lindsey Ohana

  7. Carmen Okpattah

    January 23, 2021 at 2:03 am

    Endea, Leo and family Ebony was a beautiful jewel in my life. I always speak of her as my most well.read friend. May the sweet essence of her greatness live on.
    I will pray for peace for all of you because she was truly amazing and so loving. Please hold onto her greatness and let her live on in your hearts.

    With deep love,
    Carmen Okpattah

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