Dorothy Fowler Kelly

Dorothy Fowler Kelly peacefully passed away Friday, April 13, 2012 at Memory Care Unit at the Emeritus of Biloxi. She was born on September 15, 1919 in Biloxi. Dot was preceded in death by her parents George Henry and Vincenta Stanovich Fowler, her husband John F. Kelly of 53 years, her brother Vincent J. Fowler of Torrance, CA, her niece Patti Fowler DeMello of Torrance, CA, sister-in-law Audrey Parker Fowler of D'Iberville, MS and nephew-in-law Paul De Mello of Nipomo, CA. She leaves behind her brother Henry N. (Blinker) Fowler of D'Iberville, MS, her sister Janice (Sue) Fowler Harris of Ocean Springs, MS. Also, many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews and several great-great nieces and nephews. After graduating from high school at sixteen, Dot worked at Kress’s, Biloxi Gas Company, and Ellzey's Hardware Store. For a brief time during World War II she worked in San Pedro, CA where the friends she made she kept in touch with until Hurricane Katrina destroyed part of her home and she lost her address book. After the war Dot returned to Biloxi and worked in the Civilian Personnel Office at Keesler. In the early 1950's she and her husband moved to New Orleans, LA while he attended Tulane University. After his graduation and working a few years in New Orleans they returned to Biloxi where they both worked at Keesler. Dot was a very active member of the First Methodist Church (Porter Avenue) since the early 1960's. She enjoyed being a member of the Ocean Springs Friendship and Civic Club where she had many friends. She particularly loved playing bridge on their bridge day. After retirement she enjoyed swimming at the YMCA, dancing, playing bridge, sewing many of her clothes, cooking, reading, and traveling. After her husband retired from Civil Service they spent their summers in the Massachusetts Berkshires...the area Jack was born. One of the joys of her life was the home they designed and had built by the water on Iola Road in Ocean Springs. She lived there from 1960 until her health declined and she moved to The Gardens assisted living facility. She lived there for five years before moving to the Memory Care Unit at the Loyalton of Biloxi which is now known as Emeritus of Biloxi. The family wishes to thank the staff at The Gardens, the Memory Care Unit of Emeritus of Biloxi and Hospice Compassus for all the loving care given to Miss Dot. All through her illness she was always considered by the staff as one their most pleasant and friendly residents. There was never a complaint from her. She used to say I've never had it so good...she liked being the one who was being cared for instead of it being the other way around. She often cared for others throughout her life. Special thanks to her very good friend, Joyce Wortzki, who visited her weekly at both locations. Thanks also to the ladies and Betty Weaver, Associate Pastor, of the First Methodist Church for their visits. For many years while she lived in Ocean Springs she was treated by Dr. Louis Rubenstein and later in Biloxi by Dr. Dawn Hansen. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, Howard Avenue, Biloxi is in charge of the private, graveside family service to be held at the Biloxi City Cemetery. The family prefers memorials be made to: Alzheimer’s Association, Mississippi Chapter, 1900 Dunbarton Dr., Suite H, Jackson, MS 39216.