Dorothy Jo Celso, age 79, passed away January 13, 2026 at 2:30 a.m. at Baptist Medical Center South in Jacksonville, Florida.

She made her home at 10527 Lantana Lakes Dr. N. in Jacksonville, Florida 32246, where she shared her life with her husband, Benedict Celso.

Dorothy, known as Dotti, was born June 20, 1946, the second child of James and Dorothy Hood. Dotti and her siblings, Michael, Eric and Robin spent many years growing up in Independence, Missouri.

She married her husband, Benedict Celso, April 15, 1967. They spent 55 years building a wonderful life together and had two daughters, Tina Marie and Tonya Denice.

Dotti was very active in a wide variety of organizations. She volunteered for many activities and was an active member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority for all of her adult life. She loved to read and was always a gracious hostess for every holiday gathering.

Dotti was a beautiful woman inside and out. She had a strong will and she was always calm under pressure. She was a true example of beauty and grace. She had impeccable taste and never left the house without looking her very best.

Dotti is survived by her daughters Tina Marie Thorson and Tonya Denice Celso, and also her grandchildren Benedict James Mixon and Cree Celso-Brons.

She was preceeded in death by her husband Benedict Celso in October 2022 and her granddaughter Brianna Justine Mixon in July 2018.

Dotti passed quietly and peacefully after battling a long illness. There will be an informal Celebration of Life Memorial on February 21, 2026 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at her home located at 10527 Lantana Lakes Drive N Jacksonville, Florida 32246. Please send any flowers or cards to that address.