Marcelyn Yvonne Kelley
Marcelyn Yvonne Kelley, 88 years old, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2024. She was born December 5, 1935, in Charlotte, Michigan, the eldest of five children born to the union of Leo and Margaret (Powers) Baker. She attended CHS, graduating in 1953. Marcelyn married the love of her life, Sherman Kelley on January 9, 1954, at the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church where she was an active member for 72 years.
There are so many words to describe Marcelyn – compassionate, selfless, empathetic, generous, devoted, kind, lovely, optimistic, sincere, thoughtful, warm-hearted, wise, peacemaker, gentle, cheerful, considerate, graceful, inspiring, with very strong moral values. She was a wonderful cook, seamstress, friend, trip/event planner, entertainer, volunteer and American patriot. Most importantly, she was mom, grandma and great-grandma and her family was absolutely everything to her as she was everything to her family. Her grandchildren would say she was truly the best grandma in the entire world. Marcelyn loved playing cards and she was always very lucky, something all her family kidded her about. She was very competitive and even the grandkids knew that grandma probably wouldn’t let them win.
Marcelyn sold World Book encyclopedias for 20 years. It was important to her that children had a great set of learning books and she put her heart and soul into selling them. She never made much money selling because she wouldn’t pressure anyone, but she loved all the people she met along the way. Marcelyn volunteered at Hayes Green Beach Hospital for ten years and the Binder Park Zoo for 14 years. Her second home was the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church, where she gave her time selflessly cooking meals, singing in the choir, teaching Sunday School, and was an active member of her church circle. She also, participated in church camps, including a two-week trip to Puerto Rico. Marcelyn’s deep faith in her Lord Jesus Christ was everything to her.
Marcelyn is survived by her children, Kimberly (Randy) Howe, Kris (Jan) Kelley; grandchildren, Melissa (Sivad) Howard, Jason Whetstone, Skye Kelley, Chandler Kelley; great-grandchildren, Ashton Whetstone and Londyn Howard; sisters, Darlene Raymer and Rosemary (Dave) DeWaters; brother, Doyle (Jackie) Baker; sister-in law, Mary Jean Baker; brother-in-law, Dwight Pierce; several nieces and nephews; her special friend of over 70 years, Larry Towe and special friend. D.J. McGee. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Sherman Kelley; her brother, Daryl Baker; and brother-in-law, Robert Raymer.
Friends are encouraged to support the family by attending services or sharing memories on Marcelyn’s Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Sunday, March 3, at Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church, Charlotte. Funeral services were Monday, March 4, at 11:00 a.m. at Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church in Charlotte with Pastor Jack Conklin and family friend Jonathan White officiating. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Marcelyn’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Heartland Hospice Monroe or the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.