Erica Kelly Irene Morton , affectionately known by many as Kelly, was born on July 12, 1982, to Kim D, Lewis and the late William Carter, Jr. She was named after her great grandmother, Irene Palmer, so that her name would spell KIM. Kelly was educated and lived in Baltimore City until she later decided to move to Atlanta to explore opportunities for career advancement. A proud Western High School "Dove" graduate, Kelly received a full scholarship to college. That same year, she Was blessed to become the mother of her beautiful daughter, Kayla Jenifer Ryann Craig.

Kelly accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior while attending Bethel AME Church under the leadership of Bishop Bryant, and she later continued her faith journey when her grandmother and what seemed like the entire family—joined Pentecost United Holy Church under Pastor George V. Wilson. This became the foundation of her relationship with the Lord.

While living in Atlanta, Kelly worked at H&M as a Visual Display Associate and attended college part-time. She always had a passion for fashion and design and could easily imagine herself playing a role in her favorite movie, Breakfast at Tiffany's. An entrepreneur at heart, Kelly had a gift for creating and designing ideas that helped promote businesses. Kelly was strong and she was a fighter. She was never afraid of a challenge, rather, she embraced the possibilities of what the outcome could be. Skilled in web design, branding, and real estate investments, her business acumen was unmatched.

Kelly also enjoyed the simple comforts of life, especially relaxing with her favorite television Shows like Law and Order and NCIS , moments that brought her joy and peace. The special bond she shared with her daughter Kayla was evident to all who knew her.

Kelly is preceded in death by her beloved father, William Carter, Jr.; her brother, Alex Carter; het grandparents, Henry and Almetta Cooper; and most recently, her grandfather, Ronald Morton, whom she affectionately called "Daddy."

She leaves to cherish her memory, her daughter Kayla Jenifer Ryann Craig: her mother, Kim ; Lewis; her grandmother, Geraldine Morton, affectionately known as Dee; her two brothers, Eric T. Morton and Alexis Carter (Tammy); three sisters, Sharesma, Tiffany, and Imani Carter. Two aunts, Veronica "Roni" Boulware (Ervin) and Terry "Aunt Lady T" Watkins (Lamont); a very special friend and caretaker, Justin Kess; cousins like siblings Heather, Chelsea, and Isaiah Morton: her Atlanta family —LaShawn Quinn, Harold "Hershey" Alford, Tyesha Mills, and Jazzmine Brown (Branden); Godbrother Wendell Todd; and very close friends Sasha Tippitt and Randy Lewis. Kelly also leaves a host of other family and friends, near and far, who brought laughter, love, and light to her life's journey.

Though she is no longer with us in body, her spirit, strength, and love live on through those she touched. Kelly will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.