Dorothy Kelly Clark

Dorothy Kelly Clark, age 86, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of March 9, 2026, in Plano, TX. Dorothy leaves a legacy of Southern charm, hospitality, and perseverance after a decades-long battle with multiple sclerosis. She was born February 3, 1940, in Laurel, MS, the daughter of the late William Levon Kelly and Ruby Mae Chancellor. Dorothy graduated from Beat Four High School in Waynesboro, MS, in 1958 and attended the Jackson School of Business. She later worked alongside her husband, the late Thomas Eugene Clark, for several years as his paralegal assistant. An avid gardener, Dorothy was a member of the Waynesboro Drive Garden Club and the Country Gardeners Garden Club, and she was a highly regarded accredited flower show judge. A proficient cook, she maintained an extensive collection of cookbooks and was well known among family and friends for her delectable meals and generous hospitality. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Eugene Clark, and one son, Jonathon Kelly Walters. Dorothy, or “Banmother” as her grandchildren affectionately called her, will be forever remembered not only for her warmth, but also for her signature red hair, her carefully matched coral nails and lipstick, and her fondness for high heels—details that captured her lively spirit and classic sense of style. She is survived by two daughters, Carmen (Scott) Smith of Plano, TX, and Kimberly (Dean) Thomson of McKinney, TX; four stepdaughters, Debbe (Bill) Smith of The Woodlands, TX, Kaye Scarpone of San Antonio, TX, Di Anne (Scott) Jones of Bessemer, AL, and Tracy (Sandy) Sanders of Littleton, CO; five grandchildren, Natalea (Dustin) Daams of Ocean Springs, MS, MaryLacey (Jake) Briggs of Little Rock, AR, Micah Dean Thomson of Addison, TX, Caleb (Brooklyn) Smith of Dallas, TX, and Sarah Catherine Smith of Dallas; twelve step-grandchildren, William (Tara) Smith of The Woodlands, TX, Todd Smith of The Woodlands, TX, Josh Smith of The Woodlands, TX, Brooks Hubbert of Pensacola, FL, Benjamin (Raquel) Hubbert of San Antonio, TX, Burgundy Hubbert of San Antonio, TX, Gabby (Robert) Naley of San Antonio, TX, Bo Javer of Nashville, TN, Dane McBride of Livermore, CA, Hayley (Scott) Suderman of Littleton, CO, Rory (Nathan) Sanders of Littleton, CO, and Mairet Sanders of Littleton, CO; and twenty-one (and counting) great- and step-great-grandchildren, along with countless other family members and friends who will miss her dearly. A graveside service will be held Wednesday, March 25, at 1:00 p.m. at Mill Creek Cemetery in Laurel, MS. Her warmth, strength, and love for her family will be remembered always by those who knew and loved her. To view or sign the online guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.

Dorothy Kelly Clark

February 3, 1940 - March 9, 2026