DORTHY IRENE HESLEP-KEATHLEY
faithfully finished her course on September 21, 2021. She was born December 31, 1925, to Edgar and Thelma Pierce.
Dorthy married Joe Heslep on August 10, 1943. Joe passed away on March 3, 1995. Together they owned and operated Joe Heslep Grocery in Levy for ten years.
They decided to move to Kellogg Acres and build a store in 1953. Joe, along with others, decided it wouldn’t make them a living but Dorthy decided to stick it out. She successfully stayed and he later joined her and they operated the store for 30+ years.
While in Levy, Dorthy delivered groceries and feed in a Model T car until they could buy a truck. She continued that practice in Kellogg Acres, taking call-in orders and delivering throughout the countryside.
They also did a credit business for their many customers. Customers came from Rose City and North Little Rock to enjoy Joe’s special cuts of meat and sausage and Dorthy’s fun personality.
Joe preceded her in death in 1995, and in March 1998, she married Rowan Keathley. He also preceded her in death in 2014. They spent 16 wonderful years together.
Dorthy was an avid church member, teaching Sunday School, working with the youth and playing her guitar, which she started playing at eight years old. Her favorite pastime was going to church, enjoying nature, working in her yard, cooking, playing her guitar and being with family and friends. She loved watching birds, her ducks and other animals from her window.
Dorthy is survived by three siblings, Wilma Lois Chesney, Julian Dean Pierce (Launa), and Sharon Ingold (Gary); several nieces and nephews; and extended family. She was a kind and generous person, helping many in need. She was loved and will be missed by all.
Visitation will be 6-8 p.m., Friday, September 24, 2021, at Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home. Funeral will be 11 a.m., Saturday, September 25, 2021 at Life Tabernacle Church in Jacksonville, Ark. Interment will follow at Rest Hills Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Life Tabernacle Church, 23903 AR-107, Jacksonville, Ark. 72076. Online guestbook www.SmithFamilyCares.com