Jeanette “Tootie” Kelley

Jeanette “Tootie” Kelley, 88, of Walnut Grove passed away on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026.
She was born on May 5, 1937, in Los Angeles, Calif. to Vesta and Dora (Pitman) Dotson. On May 5, 1956, she and James Kelley were united in marriage and together; they shared over 62 years, before James’ passing in 2018.
She spent most of her life in the Walnut Grove area, graduating from Walnut Grove High School in 1955. She was very creative and enjoyed sharing her talents with the community. She taught painting and wrote an article for the local paper called, “Across the Backyard Fence.” She also volunteered for many years at Walnut Grove City Hall. She also had a strong faith and was an active member of Walnut Grove First Baptist Church where she was WMU director, taught Sunday School, and served in many other different volunteer capacities.
She is survived by children, James H. Kelley Jr. and wife Cathy, Jerry Kelley and wife Lisa, Jacquelyn Kelley; nine grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; brothers, Gordan Dotson, Art Dotson, Paul Dotson; other family and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Vesta Dotson and Dora Knabb; husband, James Kelley; and brother Jack Dotson.
Visitation will be from noon until service time on Tuesday, Feb. 3, at Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home, Walnut Grove. Funeral services will begin at 1:30 p.m. at the funeral home, with burial to follow at Greene Lawn Cemetery, Walnut Grove.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to Walnut Grove First Baptist Church- Food Pantry.