EVELYN MARIE DOTSON

1921 - 2022

EVELYN MARIE (KELL) DOTSON Evelyn Marie (Kell) Dotson, a resident of Berryville, Arkansas was born July 1, 1921, in Berryville a daughter of Henry Alton Kell and Julia Ann (Ellis) Kell. She departed this life September 19, 2022, in Berryville at the age of 101 years. On June 3, 1939, she was united in marriage with Lloyd Dotson, who preceded her in death on April 2, 2016. Evelyn is survived by her daughter, Linda Williams of Berryville; son, Hershal Dotson and wife Penny of Stilwell, Oklahoma; two daughters-in-law, Larita Dotson of Berryville and Jenelle Dotson of Berryville; nine grandchildren Mike Dotson, Michelle Merriott, Lisa Anderson, Julie Clark, Joni Kelch, Travis Dotson, Kevin (Short) Williams, Lee Ann Spurlock, and Jason Dotson; 19 great-grandchildren and nine great-great-grandchildren along with several nieces, nephews, a host of other family, friends, and loved ones. She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Julia Kell; one sister, Winnie Phillips; four brothers, Lance Kell, Kenneth Kell, Troy Kell, and Drexel Kell; two sons, Junior Dotson and Robert Dotson, both of Berryville; one son-in-law, Lonnie Williams of Berryville; one grandson-in-law; five sisters-in-law; one brother-in-law. Evelyn became a Christian at an early age and always stayed true to her faith. She was the last surviving family member of the "Greatest Generation" who supported the war effort during World War II. During this time Lloyd was in the South Pacific serving aboard the USS Olmstead. Although Evelyn had three sons, she kept the young family together and became one of the many thousands of "Rosie the Riveters" who worked as a welder in a defense plant in Indiana. She became so proficient in welding airplane wings that she ultimately trained new employees. And yes, she wore the famous bandana to cover her hair, so it didn't catch on fire from the welder sparks. After the end of the war, the family moved back to Berryville where a daughter, Linda, was born. Lloyd often worked away from home and Evelyn worked full time, first at a local grocery store, then as a seamstress at Glick Manufacturing. Throughout her married life, Evelyn was celebrated for her wonderful cooking skills, receiving rave reviews from not only her family, but from everyone lucky enough to share her table. Family get-togethers were always oriented around a meal, from a holiday dinner to something cooked on a riverbank. No matter what was on the menu, it was always delicious. She was especially famous for her chicken and dumplings and her fried chicken. At the urging of her family, Evelyn began entering goods in the Carroll County Fair. She now has many grand champion and blue ribbons to prove what everyone knew; she was a grand champion cook even into her 90s. Evelyn was a wonderful example of why her generation is considered the "greatest", and her devoted family and friends celebrate her long life. Visitation will be 1:00 p.m. till 2:00 p.m., Friday, September 23, 2022, at Charles M. Nelson Memorial Chapel. Funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. with Bro. Jerry Spurlock officiating. Interment will follow in the Berryville Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Gideon's International, PO Box 362, Berryville, AR 72616. Arrangements are under the direction of Nelson Funeral Service. Online condolences may be sent to the family at nelsonfuneral.com.