Dorothy M. (Kelly) Wheatley

Dorothy M. Wheatley, longtime resident of Savage, MD, passed away on Thursday, June 18, 2015 at the age of 81 after battling back and acquired hemophilia issues for the last 18 months. Her five loving children were at her side. Dorothy was born to William Bernard and Virginia (Jones) Kelly, the sixth of seven children.

Dot lost her beloved husband of 62 years, James M. Wheatley to  Alzheimer’s  on  July 26, 2014.  Dot is survived by her sister, Katherine (Kelly) Alexander and five adoring children, Joanne (Wheatley) Graf and her husband , Philip, James Wheatley, III, Alise (Wheatley) Walters, William Wheatley  and Dorothy Wheatley; seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren; also her two precious Jack Russell Terrier companions, Pia  and Blackjack.

Dot worked tirelessly for the family as a homemaker, she was feisty, spoke her mind and was by no means a wall flower. In their early years together, she and Jim raced stock cars at Lanham, Westport and Dorsey Speedways. Even as a mother of two, Dot was often the victor among primarily male competitors. Through the years and after three more children, she also drove a school bus, waitressed, and prepared home style desserts for the Laurel Raceway, the former trotter race track. She worked hard; and shared her gifts of flower and vegetable gardening through cooking, canning and preserving the fresh fruits and vegetables for family and friends to enjoy year round. Dot also had a knack for baking; often adding her favorite black walnuts which she and Jim collected, dried, cracked and then shelled in winter. The tedious work paid off deliciously. The family kept close around many awesome meals that Dot prepared with love. She thoroughly enjoyed the simple pleasures in life; and the beauty and bounty of nature. She also loved to crab and fish; and recently always dreamed of going fishing again down on the pier at the family farm.

You are more loved and missed than words can ever express. Mom, you are forever in our hearts, our cherished memories and  our dreams.

The family is planning a memorial celebration for both Dot and Jim in late August/early September which would have been their 64th wedding anniversary.

Dot and Jim’s cremated remains will be scattered privately by the family.