Dorothy E. (Stallard) Kelly

Dorothy Elizabeth (Stallard) Kelly, 90, passed away on January 13, 2021, due to complications from COVID-19. She was surrounded by family and some of her last moments were spent reading Psalms, and singing her favorite gospel song, Beulah Land.
Dorothy was born on April 30, 1930, to Richard and Goldie (Mullins) Stallard in Pound, Virginia. Dorothy was very proud of her Appalachian heritage. She was the third of nine children. She married Ira Douglas Kelly on March 29, 1947and spent 47 years together before his death in 1994. They moved to Kent, Ohio in 1949. Dorothy and Doug raised four children together; Michael, Givens, Jennifer and Amy. She worked and retired from Kent State University, after a long and very proud career in Food Service Management.
Dorothy was a woman of deep and abiding faith, fiercely loved Jesus, and was a prayer warrior for her family. She was a longtime member of the Kent and Akron Freewill Baptist Churches, as well as the Akron Baptist Temple. She was also a devoted member of Eastern Star, belonging to Olive Chapter (Kent, Ohio) and subsequently, Cuyahoga Falls Chapter.
Dorothy's green thumb was prolific, and she loved spending time with her hands in the dirt, tending to Nasturtiums, tomatoes, and peonies. She showed her love through cooking, and spent many days making her famous sausage and chocolate gravies. She loved chatting the afternoon away with her beloved friends and family. She never passed up a good garage sale, a Precious Moment, or a chance to travel and visit friends and family.
Dorothy is survived by her children: Michael (Joanne Burns), Jennifer (Chris) Sullivan, and Amy (Jim) Cargle; sisters: Geraldine (Robert) Hurt, Eunice Dotson, Anna Ruth (Otis) Dotson, and Georgia (Don) South, as well as 11 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and family. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ira Douglas Kelly; two brothers and two sisters; her son, Givens; as well as her longtime companion, Howard Barton.
Dorothy's legacy is one of fierce independence and strong faith. Please remember her while singing your favorite Hymn, while enjoying a delicious tomato, a blooming flower, or the Spring grass on your bare feet.
We are saddened that we cannot gather with Dorothy’s extended family and friends at this time, but we will gather as soon as it is safe for a celebration of her life.
Private funeral services will be held for family on Friday January 15, at Bissler & Sons and Dorothy will be laid to rest at Standing Rock Cemetery. Please join “Memories with Dorothy” (www.facebook.com/groups/727499221538693) Facebook page for the streamed service.

Services in care of Bissler & Sons Funeral Home, 628 W Main Street, Kent, Ohio 44240.

ALL FAMILY MUST WEAR A MASK AND SOCIAL DISTANCE