Mr. Marion Kelly

Funeral services for Marion Kelly will be held 1:00pm Thursday, June 6, 2024 at Orangehill AME Church, 3035 Highway 261, Wedgefield, SC, with Rev. Wallace Preston Pastor officiating and Elder Albert Kelly as the eulogist. The public may view on Wednesday from 1-5PM at Palmer Memorial Chapel, 304 S. Main St., Sumter, SC, Bro Marion Kelly, 97, transitioned on Sunday, June 2, 2024, at his home, surrounded by his loving children. Born in Sumter County to the late Robert Kelly and Janie Benjamin Kelly in Wedgefield, SC and he attended the public schools of Wedgefield. Bro Kelly was married to the late Martha Ann Wright Kelly for 67 years. They were the proud parents of twelve children and raised ten. Bro Kelly was a lifelong member of Orangehill AME church, Wedgefield, where he served faithfully in many capacities and was named the oldest member. Bro Kelly attended Refuge Temple Church regular while residing with his daughter in Columbia, SC. At the age of 88, he was baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ by his son, Elder Albert Kelly. His favorite hobby was playing baseball; in addition to watching Matlock, Ironside, and In the Heat of the Night. Bro Kelly served in the U S Army in WWII. As a civilian, he was an avid farmer along with his wife and children. He was also well known and respected in his community and the community at large. Bro Kelly was employed with Sumter Steel Pant, a civilian worker at Shaw Air Force base and finally retired as a landscaper. Bro Kelly was also a member of the Masonic Lodge for many years. He was preceded in death by two sons, retired First Sergeant Johnnie L. Kelly, and York Kelly; one brother Samuel Kelly; one sister Louise Snow; three grands, Johnnie Kelly Jr., Tyrone Kelly and Martha Kelly affectionately called “MeMe”; sisters-in-law Dr. Earlene Walker Kelly, Glade Kelly, and Sarah Kelly; brothers-in-law Rev. Dixon, Leroy Boston, Snow, Braxton and Whittaker. Bro Kelly is survived by: His sons, Marion Kelly Jr., Brooklyn NY, Frank(Brenda) Kelly, Albert (Imogene), James (Edith) Kelly all of Wedgefield, SC, Melvin Kelly, Rosa K. Bowie, Sadie Brown and Edna (Anthony) Yarborough all of Columbia SC; brothers, Clifton Kelly and Albertus Kelly both of Columbia, SC, James Kelly of Sumter SC and Will (Betty) Kelly, Freehold, NJ; sisters, Viola Braxton, Jacksonville Fl., Leola Whittaker and Mary Boston both of Sumter, SC, Leila Mae Dixon of Columbia SC; twenty-three grandchildren, thirty-eight great-grands, and seven great-great grands; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and his church family.

Mr. Marion Kelly

July 2, 1926 - June 3, 2024