Dorothy Kelley

Dorothy Pauline Irby Kelley

Macon, GA –              Dorothy Pauline Irby Kelley, 78, loving wife of 40 years to Kenneth L. Kelley, peacefully entered into her eternal rest Sunday evening, January 16, 2022 at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital. Services to celebrate her life will be held in the James Funeral Home Chapel at 2:00 P.M. Sunday afternoon, January 23, 2022 with Joe Cheeks officiating.  Interment will follow in the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.

Because of the family’s respect and concern for public health and safety during this COVID-19 pandemic, the family requests that social distancing and other safety precautions be followed.  The wearing of face masks is strongly encouraged during any gathering.

The youngest of seven born to the late Daisy Byrd Irby and the late Tom P. Irby, Dorothy grew up in the Avera-Gibson area. She married young, moved to Macon and started her family.   She worked as a butcher at Piggly Wiggly before working at the Levi Manufacturing Plant where she retired after 20 years of service.  Dorothy worked hard as she ended up being a single mother supporting two sons. She then met the love of her life, Kenneth, marrying him in 1982.  They loved grooming their yard and working in their flower garden; travelling to the beach and mountains; and, their favorite pastime, camping at Hamburg Lake.  The two doted on one another and just enjoyed doing life together.  Dorothy has been described as being sweet, funny, being a great friend, having a great sense of humor and being the life of the party with her smile lighting up the room.  She lived life large and enjoyed every minute of it.  Her first priority was her family and being with her children and grandchildren brought her great joy and pleasure.  Dorothy loved greatly and was greatly loved.

Dorothy is also preceded in death by her precious son, Charles K. Kelley; and all of her siblings, Buford Irby, Gus Irby, Grady Irby, Bob Irby, Marion Hadden and Gene Irby. Others left to cherish her memories include her children, Clint C. Chapman (Joy), William Scott Chapmen (Cathy), Pamela Kelley and Melissa Wren Sanders; nine grandchildren, Daisy Montgomery (Michael), Austin Nathaniel Kelley, Dakota Gauge Kelley (Paige), Shane Patterson (Katie), Steven Patterson, Brianna Patterson, Sarah Patterson, Samantha Matlock and Heidi Sanders; six (6) great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins, other extended family and many friends. Serving as pallbearers will be Larry Cole, Clay Holliman, Joe Irby, Lance Irby, Austin Kelley and Dakota Kelley.

The family will receive friends at James Funeral Home from 12:30 – 2:00 P.M. Sunday afternoon, January 23, 2022, prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. You can donate by phone: (800) 478-5833 or online at https://www.stjude.org/donate.