WAYCROSS — Mrs. Dorothy M. (Jackson) Kelly, passed away at her residence in Waycross on Sunday, October 12, 2025.
She was born i n Swainsboro, Ga., to the late Paul, Sr., and Lula Jackson. She loved spending time with her family, especially cooking and baking, and sharing her love through food. She spent much of her free time in her garden tending to her plants.
Mrs. Kelly met her late husband, James, Sr., in 1956 and they were married for 52 years until his passing in 2010. He and she served as Deacon and Deaconess at Shiloh Baptist Church in Trenton, N.J. for many years before relocating to Waycross in 1996. There they joined Greater St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church where they continued serving the Lord through the ministry there. She worked at General Motors for many years helping assemble automobiles.
Mrs. Kelly was preceded in death by her husband, James Kelly Sr.; sisters Ruby Anthony and Emma Jean Jackson; brothers Paul Jackson and Robert Jackson; sisters- in-law Marion Jean Jamison and Florence Mincey; brother-in-law Artis Kelly.
She is survived by a son, James M. Kelly Jr. of Trenton; a beautiful daughter, Kathy D. Kelly of Trenton; one granddaughter, Giavanna Madonia (Nicholas); sisters- in-law, Mrs. Donell Jackson of Columbia, S.C., the Rev. Estella Lewis of Oakland, Calif.; and brother-in-law Robbie L. Kelly of Jacksonville, Fla. She also leaves behind a god daughter, Melda Grant and her adopted daughter, Judith Thompson, both of Trenton; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, sorrowing friends, all of whom she loved dearly.
A home going celebration was Friday, October 17 at Greater St. James Missionary Baptist Church in Swainsboro with the Rev. Melvin Adams presiding.
Kelly
Interment followed at the Swainsboro City Cemetery.
Chapman Funeral Home in Swainsboro was in charge of arrangements.
