Kelly Leigh Lilley

Kelly Leigh Lilley, age 51 - beloved wife, daughter, and friend - passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 7:22 PM, surrounded by the love of her husband and close friends.

Kelly was born on April 24, 1974, in Durham, North Carolina, to Samuel Clay Riggsbee and Donna Sue Riley. Raised in northern Durham County, she loved animals and spent her childhood exploring the countryside on her horse, Lucky, alongside her best friend, Summer Browning. Kelly graduated from Northern High School and went on to earn an Associate Degree in Paralegal Technology from Carteret Community College. Over the years, she built a successful career, bringing her skills to multiple industries including law, engineering, accounting, and most recently, insurance.

She is survived by her loving husband of 22 years, Dan Lilley, her faithful dog Rainbow, and her cat Jade; her father Sam Riggsbee; her mother Donna Riley; and dear friends Nancy Browning, Kerstin Manning, and Jessica Mayo, along with many extended family members and friends who cherished her deeply.

Very much a lady, Kelly was a tomboy at heart. Tell her she couldn’t - she’d say, “Watch me.” Doubt her ability - she’d prove you wrong. Always up for a challenge, she sought out adventure in every chapter of her life. Kelly traveled widely with her husband and friends and began most vacations with a marathon or 50K run, often in a spectacular natural setting. She loved the beach more than the mountains, but a place that had both was paradise for her. Wherever she traveled she also loved exploring the local food. Her appreciation for authentic cuisine grew from her experience working at Taverna Niko’s in Durham, where she learned the art of fine cooking and built lifelong friendships that meant the world to her.

Kelly was funny, warm, and made the ones she loved feel like the most important people on earth. Her energy was magnetic, and her laugh was infectious, full of her unforgettable spirit.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date to honor Kelly’s memory. Details will be shared with friends and family when available.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Triangle Land Conservancy in Kelly’s memory. And if you truly want to honor her spirit — go outside. Take a walk. Find a stretch of sand or a patch of woods and go exploring. If you have an extra dollar or two, leave it with your waitress. Kelly believed in small, meaningful acts of kindness and never wasting a moment — because time is the one thing you can’t get back.