Bobbie Jeanine Kelly

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Bobbie Jeanine Dyess-Kelly, who left us on November 26, 2024, at the age of 87. Bobbie was born on March 4, 1937 in Temple, Texas, to loving parents James Kent Dyess and Dessa “Dessie” Armstrong Dyess. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her sisters and bother-in-laws, Doris Nell and husband John Bowman, Barbara Kent and husband Cutis Doss, and nephew Bill Bowman.

She grew up in Temple, Texas, graduated from Temple High School, and married Vance Martin Kelly, Jr. They had three sons before divorcing in 1961. From that point in 1961 she became both the mother and father to the boys and helped shape their lives moving forward. She made the move to Houston, Texas to be near her sons and their growing families in 1979.

She lived a full and vibrant life. She was a dedicated mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, offering care and comfort to all of them on a daily basis throughout her life. She was a person people could count on and was available anytime day or night. The joy of being around family brought her many happy and joyous days, and she looked forward to each visit she would have with them.

Bobbie had a special affection for dogs, but especially for the dachshund breed. She loved all her dogs Bud, Lucy and Copper. They were her constant companions from before the time she retired. She adopted Bud from a shelter; Copper, she got from her sister Doris Nell on her passing; and Lucy, her sweet female pup. The love, care and attention Bobbie gave the dogs was incomparable.

She had a lengthy career in the legal business as a legal secretary and progressed to being a manager for the legal secretaries and paralegals. After an early career working for a law firm in Temple she worked in Houston in the Legal Department of Brown & Root where she did well. Around 1982, Bobbie hired on with Conoco in its Legal department, where she stayed the remainder of her career. Bobbie retired in 2002 at age 65 from the position of Manager, Paralegal Group. Bobbie made it on her own even though things were stacked against her during her early work years. One of her proudest accomplishments was owning her own home which she achieved from hard work and determination.

Bobbie is survived by her three sons Vance Martin Kelly III (Sammie); son David Kyle Kelly; and son Stephen Wallace Kelly (Jennifer). Grandchildren Jason Kelly (Courtney), Jenilee Brooks (Richard), Jennifer Wheeler (Will), Johnathan Kelly, and Tyler Kelly. She is also survived by her five great-grandchildren Reese, Emma, Madelyn, Liam, and Hayes. She also leaves behind a niece, several nephews, and cousins. Bobbie’s family was the center of her world, and she cherished every moment spent with them.

A funeral for Bobbie will be held on December 12, 2024, at 12:00PM at Brookside Funeral Home – Cypress Creek located in Houston, Texas followed by a reception from 1:00pm-4:00pm at the Reception Hall located at the funeral home. She will go to her final resting place Bellwood Memorial Cemetery back home in Temple, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that anyone wishing to do so, contribute to an animal shelter of his or her choice to help those poor animals. If possible, please go to a shelter and adopt an animal and make their life wonderful.

Bobbie will be deeply missed but will always be remembered for the love and joy she brought into our lives.