Mary Lucile McKellar

Mary Lucile James McKellar passed away peacefully in the morning of April 27, 2018, after a battle with cancer. Mary Lu, daughter of Bernard Watson James and Annie Maud Van Eaton James, was born on December 30, 1926, in Richmond, Virginia. She loved her childhood city, where she maintained life-long friendships. She graduated from John Marshall High School, proudly serving as editor of the high school newspaper. She moved to Dallas, Texas, in 1944 and attended Southern Methodist University, graduating with a major in English. At SMU, she met her husband and the love of her life, Robert W. McKellar, and they were a devoted couple for 54 years, until his death in 2004.

Mary Lucile loved history, especially family history. She knew many wonderful stories that were passed down by her mother and grandmother, and in each retelling, she could make the stories come alive with vibrant details. She was independent, coming from a long line of strong women. This love of family history led her to join numerous Genealogy organizations including: Daughters of the American Revolution, Jane Douglas Chapter where she had served as Regent; Sons & Daughters of the Pilgrims; Society of Mayflower Decedents; Magna Charta Dames and Barons; Colonial Dames XVIIC; Daughters of the American Colonists; Daughters of 1812 and others.

Mary Lu maintained her Christian faith throughout her lifetime, and lived a life of grace, kindness and gratitude. She had the heart and passion to help those in need. She dedicated much of her time to serving others, including many years assisting Southeast Asian refugees as they began a new life in Dallas.

Mary Lu is survived by sons Rob McKellar, James McKellar and his wife Mary Jo, and Randy McKellar and his wife Beth; daughter Betsy Elliott and her husband Joe; grandchildren Kathryn McKellar and her husband Russ Anderson, Sarah McKellar, Stephanie McKellar, Alex McKellar, Nick McKellar and his wife Kendra, Zach McKellar, Robert Elliott, Joseph Elliott, and Annie Elliott. She is also survived by her brother B. Van James, his wife Leila, his son Andy and wife Christie, and many beloved nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 1, 2018, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Sparkman Hillcrest Funeral Home, 7405 W. Northwest Highway, Dallas, Texas. A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday May 2, 2018, at 1:30 p.m. at Saint Patrick Catholic Church, 9643 Ferndale Road, Dallas, Texas.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Mary Lu’s dear friends, neighbors and caregivers from Acappella who provided companionship and love during her last few months.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.