Dorothy M. Jackson Kelly, 89

Mrs. Dorothy M. (Jackson) Kelly, age 89, passed away Sunday, October 12, 2025, at her residence in Waycross. A homegoing celebration was held Friday, October 17, at 1 p.m. at Greater St. James Missionary Baptist Church in Swainsboro with Rev. Melvin Adams presiding. Mrs. Kelly lay in state at the church for one hour prior to the service. Interment followed at the Swainsboro City Cemetery.

Dorothy was born in Swainsboro to the late Paul Sr., and Lula Jackson. She loved spending time with her family, especially cooking, baking and sharing her love through food. Dorothy spent much of her free time in her garden tending to her plants.

Dorothy met her late husband, James Sr. in 1956 and they were married for 52 years until his passing in 2010. They served as deacon and deaconess at Shiloh Baptist Church in Trenton, NJ 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. Dorothy worked at General Motors for many years helping assemble automobiles. Mrs. Kelly is 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.

Mrs. Kelly is survived by her son, James M. Kelly, Jr. of Trenton, NJ; daughter, Kathy D. Kelly of Trenton, NJ; granddaughter, Giavanna Madonia (Nicholas); sisters-in-law, Donell Jackson of Columbia, SC, Rev. Estella Lewis of Oakland, CA and Robbie L. Kelly of Jacksonville, FL; goddaughter, Melda Grant and adopted daughter, Judith Thompson, both of Trenton, NJ; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and sorrowing friends, all of whom she loved dearly.

Chapman Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.