Dorothy Nadine Kelly

Today we celebrate the life of our mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, Dorothy Nadine Kelly, affectionately known as “Sweetpea”. Dorothy entered eternal rest peacefully on January 21, 2022, at her home. Dorothy was born on August 30, 1939, in Washington, DC at Freedmen’s Hospital to the late Lloyd Davis and Yvonne Fay Davis.

Dorothy was baptized at an early age, and she attended Sunday school regularly at 12th Street Christian Church as a child. She resided in DC in Barry Farms at 1114 Stevens Road Southeast. She was raised with her aunts, Madeline Josephine Pyles, Juanita Ethel O’Neil, Rose Ann Williams-Lee and uncles, Eugene Jerome Williams, James Walter Williams, Ronald DeWayne Williams, Lawrence Melvin Williams, Sr., and Richard H. Williams. Dorothy attended District of Columbia Public Schools at Bernie Elementary School, Douglas Junior High School, and she graduated from Eastern Senior High School in 1957. She attended a job training program. After completion of the program Dorothy began her employment with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) where she worked for 30 years. She retired on October 1, 1995. She displayed resiliency when faced with discrimination at her job where she worked tirelessly to take care of her family. Upon Dorothy’s retirement she worked seasonally as a part time receptionist at H & R Block from 2002 to 2009. She used her money earned from working to take yearly trips. Dorothy traveled to such places as Virginia Beach, Atlantic City, New York City, Bahamas, and Mexico.

Dorothy married her first husband, Allen Clayton. From their union were born two children, Allen Douglas Clayton and Veeta Renee Clayton. Dorothy remarried John Wesley Kelly and from their union were born Okeyia Seron Kelly and Janell Cecelia Kelly.

Dorothy enjoyed aspect of entertaining. She adored engaging with others and meeting new people. She loved conversing with friends and family and she did not mind giving advice, listening to music, and dancing. Dorothy rededicated her life to Christ as an adult. She cherished attending church and studying the Bible. Dorothy served the church in the capacity as the co-chairperson for the Board of Deacons, as a member of the Board of Ushers, as a member of the Church Membership Committee, as a member of the Disciple Women’s Ministry, and she previously was a member of the 12th Street Christian Church Sanctuary choir. In addition, she volunteered as a chaperone for church youth trips and she supported the church through fundraising. Her favorite restaurant was Red Lobster. She was an ardent Washington Commanders fan, formerly the Washington Redskins. Dorothy faithfully watched the football games although the Redskins team frustrated her when the players would fumble the ball or miss a field goal or touchdown.

Dorothy was enthusiastic about education. She encouraged each of her children and grandchildren to excel in school and made sure homework assignments and school projects were completed. If she was not knowledgeable about a particular subject she would get you a tutor. Dorothy was firm about legible handwriting when completing your homework. If your handwriting was not neat she would have you erase it and rewrite it until it was acceptable to her.

Dorothy leaves behind to cherish her memories: her daughter’s Veeta Renee Clayton and Janell Cecelia Kelly; her grandchildren, Sakita Renee Clayton, Alexis Rodnika Anistead, Okeyia Roman Clayton, and Xavier Allen Morton-Clayton; and her furry granddaughter, Dallas Kelly. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, John Wesley Kelly; both of her sons, Allen Douglas Clayton and Okeyia Seron Kelly; and her great-granddaughter, Samira Renee Corley. Dorothy leaves behind her aunt, Jacqueline Lambert; her sister, Yvonne Canady; her nephew, James Canady; a host of loving and caring great nieces, great nephews, cousins; and an abundance of friends. Dorothy freely gave her time and energy to family, friends, and the church.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.fort-lincoln.com for the Kelly family.