Faye Elaine Kelly Dawkins
December 26, 1949 - May 27, 2025
Faye Elaine Kelly Dawkins passed away on Tuesday May 27, 2025, peacefully at her home in Smyrna Delaware, surrounded by her family who never left her side.
Born in Newark, New Jersey on December 26, 1949, to the late Richard and Marie Kelly, she was the third of six children. Faye Elaine graduated from Plainfield High School in 1968, attended the Taylor Business Institute, and later in her career went to Somerset County College for interior design. She started her career for AT&T as an executive secretary, eventually transitioning to a project manager within the Global Real Estate Division in interior design, where she showcased her knack for problem solving and excellent design capabilities. She retired from AT&T after 33 years of service and moved to Smyrna Delaware in 2006, where she lived out the remainder of her life.
Faye Elaine was an easy-going person who was very well liked. She loved music, dancing, shopping and fine dining, never turning down a tasty meal. She loved playing cards, even teaching pinochle to any who showed an interest. Faye Elaine lived a full life. She married her high school sweetheart, Samuel Edward Dawkins, and had three children. Most admiringly was Faye Elaine’s love for her kids. They were always together; if you saw Faye Elaine, her kids were nearby. She guided and protected them in their early years and became best friends with them in her later years.
Most of all, she treasured her many fond memories in the field ministry, sharing Bible truths with people she met. Faye Elaine studied the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses in Plainfield, New Jersey and got baptized in 1971. Her relationship with Jehovah was of utmost importance to Faye Elaine and she shared the good news of God’s Kingdom with everyone she would interact with. Faye Elaine had an uncanny ability to reach people in a deep and positive way. Assisting any who were in trouble and being a listening ear and loving support to all who needed Godly wisdom and advice. Even during her health decline, she spoke to all the nurses and doctors who cared for her, and they admired her conviction. Faye Elaine never wavered throughout her 54 Years serving Jehovah.
Faye Elaine passed away after a long battle with leukemia and heart failure. In addition to her parents, Richard Carlton Kelly, Sr and Marie Allee Kelly, Faye Elaine was preceded in death by her brothers, Richard Kelly, Jr, Michael Kelly (Janelle) and Derrick Kelly. She is survived by her three children, Mia Dawkins-Hart (Steve), Patrice Dawkins, Kerel Dawkins; sister, Sylvia Kelly; brother Irving Kelly (Lorna); nieces, Nichelle, Katherine, Jane, Jennifer, Laciana, Jada, Jana, Jennifer Scott and Vennia; nephews, Mike Jr, Ryan, Darien, Richard, and James; and a host of cousins, all of whom she loved dearly.
Memorial Services will be held at 3 pm on Saturday, June 14th, 2025, at The Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 440 Martin Ave, Maple Shade, NJ 08052.
Jennifer Kelly
My deepest heartfelt condolences. I look forward to getting to know you in the next real life.
Swains
Our love and hearts are with you all more importantly Jehovah got you all-in his arms to comfort you ….hold on to his right hand for that comfort . it is so so real.’(lsaiah 41:10,13)
Shay Shay
Ms. Faye will truly be missed. I’m glad I was able to help the family with her care. She adored her children and it showed. They took excellent care of her. She was a strong and determined woman. I enjoyed our talks and the cooking advice she gave me. She will always be remembered.
Sealey Family
Our deepest sympathies for the family. May the God of all comfort soothe your heavy hearts and provide what you need at the right time as he cares you through and heals your pain. Psalm 34:18,19
Michael Wilson
I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of Elaine and my prayers are with her entire family. I met Elaine through her sister Sylvia who took me to meet her at a picnic at her house and since that time I met her a few other times which were all good. I will indeed miss her and again I offer my condolences to her family. RIP my sister ! ❤️
Christina Tremonte
My heartfelt condolences to all, especially her children. Please draw a measure of comfort in the fact that her physical pains are gone. Never be embarrassed to cry. Jesus wasn’t. Agape’
The Leveridge Family
To the Family:
We are so sorry for the passing of your mother, please know that she was truly loved and thought about often over the years. May Jehovah ever more, be a strengthening aide to you at this time.
Love Always
Rodney Jackson
To my sister in the faith, friend and mother like figure. Faye’s kindness and generosity filled the room anytime she was in your presence. She was a treasure to be around. She always made you feel loved and special. Her encouragement to love Jehovah and example help me and my wife tremendously as we were growing in our love for Jehovah. We will miss you and cannot wait to see you in the greatest family reunion ever, the resurrection of the righteous. Much love to the family.
Dorshalee Burney
Our hearts breaks for your family! Very soon it will all be done away with, very very soon. 🩷. Psalms 34:18.
John Cherry
My condolences goes out to the family and friends. Your mom had such a good heart and gave me some really good advice growing up.
Jonathan H Dawkins
May the Lord walk with you on this journey in life,and bless all you’ve touched along the way…
Yvette & David Durant
To Elaines beautiful and loving children. My deapest and heartfelt condolences are with you. Your mother was the most loving friend i had. Was always when she could be there for me and her friends. I truly look foward to a time when we will meet and talk under perfect conditions. Her smile captured a room and you ladies have captured that smile. I thank Jehovah for the time we had together. Though my heart hurts I know this is temporary. We shall meet again in paradise with much love. You three take care of each other as we pray to our father for strength as his arm is not short.
Charlotte S.
Ms. Faye was a beautiful soul. She was full of love, peace and wisdom. I would enjoy coming and learning the Bible and spending time with her. You (all) have my deepest condolences.
Sheila Flanagan-Caba
I’m so sorry for your loss of your beautiful mother. I will always remember her gorgeous smile that mimics her personality 💖. She had a way of always making you feel comfortable and that is something to be treasured!!! Until we see her again, may Jehovah give you all what you need… moment by moment!