Marcella Kelly

Marcella “Marcy” Lucille Kelly (née Strobel), 82, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 3, 2026, surrounded by the family she loved so deeply. Born on December 28, 1943, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Franklin Charles Strobel and Luella Charlotte Hoge, and was known affectionately throughout her life as Marcy.

After graduating from high school, Marcy worked as a hairdresser before dedicating herself to raising a family. As a stay-at-home mom, she poured herself into her children and devoted herself to her family. When the school days grew quiet, she brought that same generous spirit to John H. Harland Company, where she spent more than 25 years helping people.

In retirement, she devoted much of her time to her faith and charitable work. Guided by her deep Catholic faith, she volunteered countless hours to Catholic charities and outreach ministries, including St. Vincent de Paul, Clean of Heart, and programs to feed, clothe, clean and care for the needy and less fortunate. She never sought recognition, believing that serving others was one of the truest expressions of God’s love and mercy.

Marcy’s greatest love and joy was her family, not only her family at home, but the wide circle of relatives and loved ones she held close. She especially cherished holidays, birthdays, graduations, family reunions, and family vacations. She took great pleasure in attending her grandchildren’s activities and celebrating their accomplishments. Some of her favorite moments were watching her grandchildren compete in their respective sports, taking them on outings to the zoo, museum and aquarium, and playing countless games of Uno, Monopoly and Dominoes.

Marcy will be remembered with immense love and admiration by her children, Melissa Renee Kelly, John Franklin Kelly (Anita), and Brian Douglas Kelly (Christina); her grandchildren, William Jonathon Kelly, Taylor Grace Kelly, and Nicholas Willard Rainey (Adrienne); her sisters, Luella Lynch and Hazel Allen; and many in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends. She is now reunited with her beloved husband, William F. Kelly; her parents; and her sisters, Norma Davenport and Vivian Barnhart.

Her family and friends will cherish the memories they shared with her and the lasting presence she leaves in their lives. Marcy’s kindness, strength, and love for others will forever be remembered by all who knew her.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of the Hills Catholic Church, 120 Marydale Lane, Columbia, SC 29210. A luncheon will follow in the fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent de Paul, 120 Marydale Lane, Columbia, SC 29210.