“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” -Proverbs 31:25
Janice Darlene Taylor Kelly, 80, of Fayetteville, entered into eternal rest on Friday, August 22, 2025.
She was born March 19, 1945 in Crosses Creek, AR to Elton George Taylor and Elsie Lorene Shackelford Taylor. A proud graduate of Elkins High School, Janice played basketball during her school years, sparking a lifelong love of Arkansas Razorback sports.
Janice lived a life grounded in faith, family, and service. A devoted Christian who loved her Savior Jesus Christ. She dedicated herself to her family as a homemaker, helped manage the family construction business, and later retired from Tyson Foods.
Her greatest joy was time spent with her loved ones. She delighted in entertaining, camping, and preparing home-cooked meals that brought everyone together. Known for her selfless, giving spirit, Janice was also fiercely protective of those she loved.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jimmy Dean Kelly; her brothers, Ellis Taylor, Alvin Taylor, and Lawrence Taylor; her stepson, Jimmy Kelly, Jr; and her niece, Maranda Kelly.
She is survived by her children, Rhonda-Kelly Duncan and Jason Duane Kelly of Fayetteville; her sisters, Mary Taylor Williams of Elkins and Cathy Taylor Varner of Van Buren; her grandchildren, Victoria Jameson Kelly and Madalynn Nicole Kelly of Fayetteville; and one great-grandchild, Ivory Eve and one on the way to be named Faith Darlene.
Her legacy of love, strength and devotion will live on forever in the hearts of her family.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” -2 Timothy 4:7
Funeral services will be 3:00 PM Saturday, August 30, 2025 at the Brannon Mountain Church with Pastor Jasper Hankins officiating.
Interment will follow in the Brannon Mountain Cemetery.
There is no scheduled visitation.
Fly high Janice! You will be missed down here I know but our loss is heavens gain. Give my daddy a big hug for me.
So sorry for your loss. God has gained another Angel to watch over you, and now she can give Jimmy and Maranda a hug from all of us!! ❤️🥲
Rhonda, so sorry for your loss!
Sending you a giant love hug!
This has been a journey we have been going through simultaneously 🙃 The outcome wasn’t what we wished for. Peace was granted for all of us.🧡❤️🧡
Rhonda and Jimmy, know that you are in my thoughts. So sorry for your loss.
You are in my heart and prayers during this time of sorrow. May the Lord provide you with peace and healing.
Sis,i am so sorry that you left us,bur i know that god has bigger and better plans for you,give my three brothers,mom and dad,grandma and grandpa a hug for me,i will miss you so much and think about you every day and remember our talks and visits,i will love you forever
So sorry Rhonda. We’re praying for your family.
Janice’s spirit was much like that of the she-wolf she so admired—fiercely protective of her pack, devoted to those she loved, and steady in her strength. She carried a wild grace, guiding with both gentleness and courage. Just as the wolf leaves her mark upon the forest, Janice’s love and legacy will remain etched in the hearts of all who knew her. I love you mom and I’ll see you soon….