Jilda Jo (Creed) Kettel

Jilda C. Kettel, age 80, of Dahlonega, GA unexpectedly passed away at home on Saturday May 20, 2023.

Jilda was born on June 15,1942 in Winston Salem, North Carolina. Her family included her parents Joseph Creed and Wilma Creed Peterson and her brothers Jack and Thomas (Tom). She grew up in Winston Salem, NC and Boone, NC. She attended Appalachian High School in Boone, NC and recently celebrated her 60th High School reunion.

She earned her Bachelor of Science in Social Work from East Tennessee State University and a Master in Social Work from Florida State University. She was a sister of the Delta Zeta sorority.

Jilda spent her career working in mental health services. She was a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a Board Certified Diplomat in Clinical Social Work, a member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers, and a member of the National Association of Social Workers. While taking on different roles and responsibilities throughout her career, Jilda was happiest when she was able to meet with patients and help them navigate their challenges. She always seemed to find a way back to one-on-one counseling and enjoyed helping people in this way.

Throughout her life and in retirement, Jilda treasured the time she spent with family and especially her grandchildren. She enjoyed watching the kids growing up and keeping up with all their extracurricular activities including swimming, cheerleading, soccer, golf, and wrestling. She loved to go antiquing and was always happy to uncover treasures and find the best bargains. In the Fall, you would find Jilda decked out in her best Garnet and Gold outfits and cheering on the Florida State Seminoles. She was an avid follower of the Seminoles and loved the collegiate spirit and atmosphere of college sports. Go Noles!

Jilda was a loyal friend and had the biggest heart. She cared deeply for her family and friends and strived to be a force for good in the world.

Jilda was a member of the Methodist and Lutheran churches throughout her life. While at Rock of Ages Lutheran Church in Stone Mountain, GA, she was an active member of the congregation and Cursillo. She also participated with the whole Kettel family in the Christian Critters, a puppet ministry that taught kids and adults alike about the grace and blessings that God brings. She was also a member of the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Atlanta, GA.

Jilda is preceded in death by her husband Robert (Bob) A. Kettel of 56 years, her parents and stepfather, her brother Jack Creed, brothers-and-sisters-in-law Dr. Louis Kettel, Lois Kettel, Don Kettel, Dorothy Kettel, and daughter-in-law Kristin Pray Kettel.

Jilda is survived by her daughter Traci Kettel Campbell (Patrick) and son Derek Christian Kettel (Joy). Jilda was the proud “Grammy” to 5 grandchildren, Ashley, Tobias, Kelsey, Cameron, and Evan. Jilda is also survived by her sister-in-law Sherrill Creed, brother Tom Creed (Janie Creed), and many nieces and nephews.

At this time, a celebration of life is being planned for her family and friends and will be held at a later date. In Jilda’s memory, please extend an act of kindness or be a positive support to those in your life. In

lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations honoring Jilda to be made to The Carter Center – Mental Health Program at www.cartercenter.org.

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