
Celebrating the life of
Kelsey Elizabeth McKinstry VerDuft
April 16, 1990 - June 01, 2025

On April 16, 1990, in the sunny seaside city of Long Beach, CA, the world welcomed a vibrant spirit named Kelsey Elizabeth McKinstry VerDuft. It is with heavy hearts that we announce her untimely passing on June 1, 2025, at her childhood home in Savannah, GA, at the age of 35 with her beloved husband and closest family members by her side.
Known for her fiery red hair and even fierier spirit, Kelsey was a force of nature who lived life with a sassy, sarcastic wit and an unyielding love for her family and friends.
Kelsey’s life was a tapestry woven with love, resilience, and dedication. She proudly called herself a graduate of St. Vincent's Academy, class of 2008, and spent her formative years at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic School, where she was a member of various local swim teams and participated in several other youth sports. Her professional journey was marked by her caring nature, as she worked for several years as a Certified Pharmacy Technician before finding her true calling as a childcare provider at the Jewish Educational Alliance. Kelsey’s love for children was boundless and she shared her warmth with all who crossed her path.
Kelsey's life was not without its challenges. She faced the premature loss of her mother, Gail Devoy McKinstry, to breast cancer in 2000, but found comfort and support with her stepmother, Dawn McKinstry, who joined the family in 2003. Her resilience and strength were further tested when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in September 2019. Kelsey fought with unwavering grit and grace, always maintaining her loyalty to family and her passion for life’s simple pleasures, like family cookouts and holiday gatherings where often she showed her competitive backyard cornhole skills. She also enjoyed spending time with her younger brother, Sean and his wife, singing karaoke and playing trivia around Savannah.
One of Kelsey's greatest joys was marrying the love of her life, Jeffrey Lee VerDuft Jr, on May 1, 2021. Together, they created a loving home with Jeff’s children, whom Kelsey cherished as her own. Together with her in-laws, Jeff Sr and Debbie, she and her family spent many memorable weekends attending concerts and festivals. Her spirit was one that flowed with the currents of life, yet stood firm in her beliefs and loyalty to family.
Kelsey was a loyal daughter, sister, wife, and friend. She leaves behind a loving family, including her husband, Jeffrey; step-children, Tyler, Madison, and Ryan VerDuft; father, John W. McKinstry, her stepmother, Dawn Ivy McKinstry; and her brothers, Patrick McKinstry, Sean (Jade) McKinstry; step-siblings, Sarah (Landon) Thompson, Brittony (Michael) Sibilio, and Anthony Cade; grandmother, F. Louise McKinstry; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. She is reunited in peace with her dear mother, Gail, and her grandparents, Joseph and Elizabeth Devoy, and John (Jack) McKinstry. Kelsey’s passion for life extended to her love for her two fur babies, Nakatomi and Abby. Her devotion to her family was unparalleled, and she leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter.
The family would like to give a special acknowledgment of gratitude to Georgia Hospice Care, especially care providers Erin Toner, Krista Mills, and Nancy Harrison.
We invite friends and family to join us in celebrating Kelsey's life at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel on Thursday, June 5, 2025. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m., followed by a service at 11 a.m. Kelsey will be laid to rest beside her cherished mother in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital in Kelsey's memory. As we bid farewell to Kelsey, we take solace in the words, "Comfort her soul, Lord, and grant her eternal rest. May her light continue to shine brightly in the lives of all who knew her."
I am so sorry to hear of Kelsey's passing. I used to work at the J with her. She was so sweet and so great with the kids. She will be missed.
- Denise Zupfer Gills, Savannah, GA
Kelsey was a wonderful human being. I am honored to have known her over a decade. She were there when my daughter was born and as she was growing up, she loved you so very much and always cried when you had to leave. We will all miss you very much. Do not worry about Brooklyn. Your sugie will be just fine. I know you will always looks after her. I love you Kelsey. May you rest in peace
- Efrain Oyola, Jr, Savannah , GA
I met Kelsey when my husband, children, and I moved here from New York. She was so warm and welcoming that our friendship quickly grew from friends to family. We had created our own little extended family within our friend group and at times she and her husband were all we had. My kids love her to death, she was like an aunt to them. We made many beautiful memories and I am forever grateful for all the birthdays, holidays, and memories we made together. I love you girly you were something in my life I did not know I needed. I will forever cherish every second I had with you and I am sorry we did not get the chance to have that girls night, but I do know that when I walk across that stage and receive my pin you will be walking right beside me. May you forever rest in peace.
- Ashley , Savannah, GA
I never had the privilege of meeting Kelsey, but I felt I knew her from the love for family shared by Jeff. Another angel got her wings. Know that she will always be with y'all. Continued prayers for her family and friends. God bless and R IP
- Adams , Savannah , Georgia
I am very thankful to have met such a kind hearted, and beautiful woman. Kelsey brought light to many of us. She was the epitome of a strong willed woman, and no matter what, she kept a smile on her face. Kelsey's strength was her gift, one that the we will always know her for. Rest in peace beautiful.
- Nastasha Briggs , Fort Benning, GA
I met Kelsey yrs ago through my sister in law Terry Kaiser. She was such a sweet young girl that grew into the most kind sweetheart of a woman. We were supporting each other through our cancer journey. My heart broke in two to be told she had passed. She sent me such positive, uplifting messages even though she was so sick herself, she let me always know she was praying for me. Dear sweet Kelsey I will carry on this fight in your honor too, like you said, never give up, and I won't. You were such a strong warrior, I will never forget you!
- Donna Kaiser Miles, Louisville , Ky
I never met her but my daughters worked with her. My condolences to her family. GOD keep the family in your Loving Arms.
- Teresa J Hallstein, Savannah, Georgia

Candle added for her family.
- Teresa J Hallstein, Savannah, Georgia
I am so thankful that God put Kelsey and My Son Jeffrey VerDuft together. She brought him out of a serious downfall of his life. The Day he met Kelsey his attitude changed he was brought back to life My Wife and I were so thankful for these 2 joining together on May 1st 2021. Kelsey was the most loving strongest woman and was a honor to call her our Daughter-In-Law. Our family will miss her so much especially our weekly Lunch dates with her and when she joined us all with Concerts and events I had to do. Kelsey thank you for bring life and love back to my Son and we will never ever forget you. Until we Meet again your Father In Law Jeff I love you Sweet Angel

- jeff taylor, Guyton, Ga

Kelsey was a big hearted person she always wanted to just enjoy life she was like a sister to my wife hayanny Verduft almost every night they would hold a conversation and just check up on one another to see how their day was she was so loving to everyone very sweet person and very loving to my bros we are going to miss you Kelsey so much RIP
- Steven & hayanny Verduft, Pooler, Ga
My thoughts are with you and your family during this sad time. Peace to you
- Lisa Barbee, Jacksonville , Fla

We are so sorry to hear of Kelsey's passing. We have known Kelsey since grade school. She was always so sweet & kind, just like her mom. She has been on my mind and prayers for awhile now. Praying for her family at this difficult time.
- Terri Hood & Christina Grooms, Savannah, GA
Such a kind young lady always. Really enjoyed meeting you both and hearing all about y'all from a very proud dad you a blessed to still have. Cherish the memories but don't stop creating them with the blessings you still have here. She will be waiting for you with that big beautiful smile. We all are going one day if we believe Jesus words to us. Take care brother.
- Craig Exley, Clyo , GA.
Condolences and prayers to the entire family. May you R.I.P. you have served the Lord.
- Rick Zak, Strongsville prior, Savanah, Ohio
It's so special that my first memory of Kelsey was at Saint Peter the Apostle School. I remember her vibrant red hair, her awesome freckles and kind smile. She always had a smile for me and was sweet to everyone. Her kind and gentle presence continued into high school. On my first day at Saint Vincents Academy, we saw each other! She stopped me and talked to me for a minute. She made me feel seen and welcomed when I was so anxious. It was a kindness I will treasure forever. I'm so grateful to have known her, to have loved her and her family. She faced so much with grace, and carried others with her in her strength. I'm thankful for the chances we had to reconnect, to laugh, to share memories (especially the ones with Seanie), to dance, to sing our hearts out and to giggle with excitement about Sean and Jades future. Rest peacefully, my friend. You will be cherished always. All the love, Ellen, Patrick, Teddy and EmmaBates
- Ellen, Patrick, Teddy and EmmaBates, Savannah, Georgia
I MET KELSY AT SEVERAL OF HER FATHER IN LAW, JEFF TBONE TAYLORS, RADIO GIGS AND ALSO AT THE CHRISTMAS IN THE SOUTH SHOWS. . SHE WAS A BEAUTIFUL PERSON. SAD TO HEAR OF HER PASSING SO SOON AND SO YOUNG. R.I.P GIRL AND SHINE THE SKY UP WITH YOUR BEAUTY. PRAYERS FOR JEFFERY HER HUBBY AND FOR THE FAMILY.
- Debbie Berta, SAVANNAH, Georgia
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- Visitation
- 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Thu, June 05, 2025
- Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel
-
4605 Hwy 80 East (map)
Savannah GA 31410 - 912-898-0900
- Funeral Service
- 11:00 am on Thu, June 05, 2025
- Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel
-
4605 Hwy 80 East (map)
Savannah GA 31410 - 912-898-0900
- Burial
- 12:15 pm on Thu, June 05, 2025
- Forest Lawn Memory Gardens
-
315 Greenwich Road (map)
Savannah GA 31404