Dee Kelley

Dimple Aileen (Williams) Kelley, also known as Dee or DeeDee, departed her current life and stepped into her eternal life at 8:03 a.m. on November 20, 2024. Dee was 75 years old when she unexpectantly sustained significant brain injuries as a result of massive multiple strokes. Her devout belief in Jesus helped her family have peace throughout her illness.

Dee was born to Louis Avis Williams and Pearl Dimple VanPelt on January 1, 1949, in Wichita Falls, Texas. Her daddy affectionately nicknamed her Snootie. Dee was raised in a devout Pentecostal family. Her religious beliefs began early in life when she accepted Jesus Christ as her savior.

Dee graduated from Wichita Falls High School in 1967. She immediately continued her education at Draughon’s Business Colleges with a certification in Secretarial Sciences in 1967. Dee worked for about 40 years as an Administrative Assistant. Retiring from Wells Fargo.

It only took one look at her blind date, Joe Kelley, to know she had met her forever love. The blind date arranged by Joe’s sister, Wyvonee Pruett, began with mistletoe and Christmas twinkling lights which blossomed into springtime love which led to summer wedding bells which were heard June 1, 1968, as the two united in marriage.

Soon baby blue blankets and baby booties were added to their happy home. Joe Jr added a sparkle to his mother’s eyes and a fierce light of pride radiated from her beautiful smile. Their family was completed with the addition of pink baby girl dresses, baby dolls, and pigtails. This arrival of baby coos and giggles blessed their home. Debra Dileen was the exact medicine needed to be the balm to soothe the sorrows of Joe and Dee after losing their infant son, Michael Scott Kelley.

Dee had one fervent passion. She was born to sing. Even as a toddler she would rock in her little wooden rocker singing, “Hey, Hey, Good Looking!” Taught to her by her older sister June. For Dee, singing was as natural as breathing. As she matured, Dee sang in choirs, sang solos in church, and was often requested to sing at weddings and funerals. Dee also played the piano, teaching herself to play by ear.

More than her passion for singing was her fervent love for her savior, Jesus Christ. Joe and Dee were called to share the gospel of Jesus. They served as Youth Leaders at Hillcrest Pentecostal Church of God. They loved their students in their ministry staying in contact with a few of them even to this present day. Joe and Dee then entered Children’s Evangelistic Ministry. Together, they spread the gospel, leading many children to the altar for the first time to pray the sinner’s prayer. They were clowns for Christ, HOBO JOE & DIMPLES the Clowns. They were on the road, in their van, traveling to the next children’s crusade, taking their children with them across the Texas-Oklahoma area. In this way, they taught their own children to serve the kingdom of God. They left a legacy to their children to follow that desire to be of service every day. Because of that mission, each travel began with what they called their “van song” which was “I Have a Desire”.

Dee was blessed to have a loving family who will desperately miss her. She is survived by her devoted husband, Joe Kelley, Sr. Her pride and joy, Joe Jr. and wife, Julie of Plant City, Fl. Her darling daughter, Debra Calloway and husband Dudley of Wichita Falls, TX. The sparkle of her eyes, her grandchildren, Vicky Wright and husband Roger of Pulaski, VA. Bethany Calloway, of Wichita Falls, TX. Jathan Calloway of Wichita Falls, TX. Jordan Kelley of Plant City, Fl. Kara Kelley of Plant City, Fl. And two great-grandchildren, Lil Roger Wright and Seilah Wright of Pulaski, VA. Brother, Butch Williams and wife Vicki of Broken Arrow, OK. Sister, Delores Nichols of Wichita Falls, TX. Brother, Steven Williams and wife Sarah of Danville, KY. Her loving in-laws: brother-in-law Richard Kelley, of Wichita Falls, TX, sister-in-law, Wyvonee Pruett of Wichita Falls, TX, brother-in-law, Stanley Kelley and wife Nancy of Grand Prairie, TX. And many, many nephews and nieces that she loved very much.

Dee is proceeded in death by her parents, Louis and Pearl Dimple Williams; brother, Dorma Gene; sister, Wanna June Purdy; one infant son, Michael Scott Kelley; one infant grandson, Nathaniel Calloway; one infant granddaughter, Joanna Mae Kelley.

A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, November 23, 2024, at Heritage Church, 2216 Southwest Parkway, Wichita Falls, TX. Family Visitation will begin in the foyer of the church beginning at 1:30. The memorial will begin at 2pm. The family request guests to arrive wearing Dee’s favorite color blue to honor Dee. A small graveside service will take place on Monday.

The family request in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a gofundme account to assist in the purchase of a headstone.

Link: https://gofund.me/915591fe