Josolyn Louise Dobbins

Josolyn Louise Footes-Dobbins Life Journey

Josolyn Louise Footes-Dobbins was born on September 25, 1951, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to the late James Edward and Thelma Lee Crudup-Footes.

During her youth, Josolyn discovered a lifelong passion for music. She began playing the piano at the age of 14, receiving instruction from Ms. Douglas and Evelyn Johnson. However, she soon developed a natural ear and became self-taught. She attended Carter G. Woodson Elementary School and was a proud 1969 graduate of Scipio A. Jones High School, where she was an active member of the chorus and the cheer squad.

Following her education, she married her high school sweetheart, Jimmie Lee Dobbins. Their loving union produced three children.

At a very young age, Josolyn dedicated her life to Christ and was baptized at St. Mark Baptist Church in Galloway by Pastor Thomas Johnson. Her commitment was profound: she faithfully served as the church musician for over 50 years! In addition to sharing her musical gift, Josolyn was also an active participant in the Deaconess Ministry and the Mission Ministry.

Josolyn's robust work history began as a Nursing Aide at Mercy Nursing Home. Following a brief employment period at Maybelline, she worked as a records clerk at National Medical Rentals, eventually transitioning to serve as the Facility Coordinator at Campus Towers. Josolyn achieved her proudest professional milestone by establishing her own business, J & J Childcare. She absolutely loved the kids in her daycare and affectionately gave them all nicknames that have stuck to this day!

To her family, Josolyn Louise Footes-Dobbins was affectionately known as a "foxy diva and fashion queen." She loved to be coordinated from head to toe with hats, accessories, and shoes. Shopping was her favorite pastime, and she always looked for bargains. Josolyn also loved old television shows and movies like The Golden Girls, Gunsmoke, and The Jackson Five, just to name a few. She enjoyed home decor, touring model homes, good food, old-time gospel music, and, especially, drinking coffee! If her coffee wasn't just right, she'd certainly let you know. She often traveled with her family to various destinations, including several cruises. She had a glorious sense of humor and was always the life of the party! Josolyn was feisty, classy, incredibly strong, and, above all, resilient. She was deeply cherished and loved by all who knew her.

Josolyn Louise Footes-Dobbins, 74, entered the Pearly Gates on Thursday, October 2, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by her brother, Edward Footes, and her sister, Rose Footes.

Josolyn Louise Footes-Dobbins leaves behind a beautiful family legacy. She is survived by her husband, Jimmie Dobbins Sr; children: Teresa (Leonardo) Hooks of Orlando, Florida; Keith (Dawna) Dobbins of Harker Heights, Texas; and Jimmie (India) Dobbins, Jr. of Maumelle, Arkansas; siblings: Charles (Dee) Footes, Joyce Footes-Lovelace, Carolyn (Billy) Gulley Valerie Keener and Cynthia Martin; grandchildren: Taylor Hooks, Tristen Hooks, La'Nyiah, Kylah, Brandon (Malycca), Jaylon, Keith Jr. (Leah), and Isaiah(Ali) Dobbins; and great-grandchildren: Bry'iah, Renessmm'e, Vincent, and one more on the way. Josolyn also leaves behind a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins, and friends.

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