I remember ma caught me & Shanina sneaking out of one of the classrooms during recess and asked us what were we doing and to get our butts outside lol… She always checked in on me at school and watched out for me. She is ABSOLUTELY missed love you Ma ❤️

I am so grateful  that I got to experienced  your mother love in my life and my children. 

To Vonya and Family, my family pray peace, comfort and joy as you celebrate the life of your dear mom Marcella. I always enjoyed talking aloe vera skin care with Ms. Marcella, she would always say "do not stop using it, it works" with this big encouraging smile on her face, I appreciate her kind and gentle spirit.  Her physical presence will be missed here, however, i know she is in the presence of the Lord where she would rather be. 

To Vonya and Family, The Vital family offer up our prayer, of peace, comfort and joy in celebrating the life of your dear mom Marcella, I always enjoyed talking with my friend about her aloe vera skin
 care : ), she would always with a big smile encourage me to "do not stop using it, it works".  I always appreciated her kind personality, her present will truly be missed.



Photo with mom at Uncle Dwight's 60th birthday party.

Sending our love and prayers to your family.  Ms Marcella always had a smile, and that’s how we remember her - with a big, infectious smile.  She was a woman of faith and gratitude for this life that God gave her. You should be proud of the example she set. With love from the Cherrys.

Over 30 years ago, Marcella was a warm and welcoming friend in a neighborhood that could sometimes be cold. She and her family were always loving and kind to ours. We had many philosophical discussions about how best to raise children in this day and age and that continued into recent years. We will never forget how much she loved all of her daughters and wanted only the best for them. Marcella was so proud of them and I am too. She was a good friend and I will always miss her. May her spirit live in forever in our hearts.

It was a warm Friday… as Lindsey and I walked out the school. We looked at each other and asked what are you doing over the weekend. She said I have a date. “With who?” She says with Jack and Daniels. We both laughed so loud until we reached our cars. 

I had the privilege first to meet Marcella over thirty years ago.  As a friend to her oldest daughter Vonya, she welcomed me into her home just like another family member.  Her nurturing, wise,  altruistic, positive, and loving character was like a warm, safe hug anytime I was in her presence. I excitedly remember the time when Marcella not only encouraged me to participate in my elementary school’s science fair. She also invited me over to her house to work on my project alongside her daughters in their kitchen. She not only provided me with the supplies, reading materials, and the space to create, but she also provided me with a lifelong memory of how it feels to be loved, cared for, and encouraged by a strong, lively, and affable women.  Rest well, Marcella. I am grateful to have had someone like you as a part of my life. Thank you for all the extraordinarily delicious homemade snickerdoodle cookies. 
With love and gratitude, LaShunda De Los Reyes.

I had the privilege to meet Marcella over thirty years ago.  As a friend to her oldest daughter Vonya, she welcomed me into her home just like another family member.  Her nurturing, wise,  altruistic, positive, and loving character was like a warm, safe hug anytime I was in her presence. I excitedly remember the time when Marcella not only encouraged me to participate in my elementary school’s science fair. She also invited me over to her house to work on my project alongside her daughters in their kitchen. She not only provided me with the supplies, reading materials, and the space to create, but she also provided me with a lifelong memory of how it feels to be loved, cared for, and encouraged by a strong, lively, and affable women.  Rest well, Marcella. I am grateful to have had someone like you as a part of my life. Thank you for all the extraordinarily delicious homemade snickerdoodle cookies. 
With love and gratitude, LaShunda De Los Reyes.

May God's peace rest on the family because you know Marcella is present with the Lord. You, also, know that you will see her again.


Remember when we would be in the back room on Fridaynights an listen to our favorite artist.  Cella would sing stuff like Dianna Ross,  Barbara Streistan.Oh she loved the common stuff as well but she would broaden our horizons with the other stuff.Not knowing it was teaching us that there is more in life . Think Big Think outside of this box you live in. 


Everything that needed to be said was said. Anything that needed to be done was done. You left an undeniable impression on all our hearts. I am grateful to have called you mother and honored to call you friend. Most of all I am proud to be your daughter.  Love you lady....

I remember being loved by Mrs. Marcella or mom as I’ve always called her. I remember being 5yrs old at school and me and Shanina was running up and down the halls and she would catch us every time and we never knew how. I remember her being at my girls scout meetings, I remember her telling me “good job” when we were “song birds” and sang at  our assembly. I even remember her at my Brazilian dance class after school being supportive. I remember the fun sleep overs and helping bake cookies in her kitchen, I remember her making me as a child feel safe and supported . I remember being loved. This was my 2nd mom. I’m so grateful I was able to experience her and her daughters. When you have no family dynamic growing up you get glimpses of family and you hold on to them as you grow. I held on to her because she was a building block in my foundation of being loved and learning how to love. I took my daughters to see her a couple years ago and I remember her smile and being so happy to see me and my babies , then immediately after we sat down she telling her friend next to her how bad me and Shanina was together lol telling all our Bella Vista business lol. Last thing I told her was that I loved her and I am so grateful I did. Thank you Shanina, Regina, Vonya and Sonya for allowing her to not just be your mother but a mother to some of us like me who needed it. I am grateful for her love and covering and now I KNOW she is covered by the greatest and His love is ultimate and everlasting. God bless -Destiny

From the first time I met your mother & grandmother, I was welcomed with open arms, hugs and love.  I could have just moved in & I would just be one of her girls.  Marcella was just a duplicate mini me of her mother and you young ladies are the mini mes of momma & granny.  She was truly a Shero, working job(s), raising some rambunctious girls; yet still had time to get into some shenanigans, family time, celebrations, holidays.  Remembrance of her ethics, her faith, her humor, her pranks, her humility, her generosity will forever be in our hearts and memories which will sprout smiles and warmth.  May you rest well and in power/paradise, Marcella.  Your other daughter from another mother (wink, wink :)!)

This was my second mom throughout my college experience. The first time Regina introduced me to her mom the connection was there. She welcomed me in her home with welcoming arms everytime I traveled to the Bay Area. She told me where not to go and where to go keeping me safe since I wasnt from Oakland. It was always a joy going to visit my extended family. Marcella you will be missed 💪🏾🖤👑

We truly appreciate all the love and support. Especially the prayers.

Dear Mom, 

I didn't know what outside clothes meant until our cousins came to our childhood home on 8th ave🤣🤣🤣

Mom, you will forever be known for the memorable childhood activities that definitely got us dirty but left an imprint and impression in my life and everyone you engaged with. From painting, gardening, cooking (inside and outside), riding our bikes all throughout Oakland, swimming at Oakland high school, camping in the front yard, arts and crafts, making homemade jam, walking the lake and more. Nothing beats our new years eve parties 🥳 🤪 We could have dessert and pizza for breakfast 😋 

The childhood home was not just for me but for everyone who set foot in our home. You welcomed everyone with no judgement. You cared, loved and inspired even to those who didn't like your originality and authenticity. Sometimes for that you were excluded and misunderstood with no regard. Although you did hurt, you still loved those who felt you were beneath them because of their foolish reasons. You held a positive regard for them that I'm still learning. 

Growing up, I never knew we didn't have money or certain privileges as others. However, you taught me experiences that are worth more than gold or money. You taught me grit, to have integrity, that your name has honor and remembrance. That empathy starts with knowing your story so you can help others. How to create memories with joy, laughter and smiles.

I'm so glad you did what made, you- you. Creator, visionary and saw us beyond our faults and loved us deeply and truly. Your mama skills are unparallel. You are the mom to those who did not have one. You are the mom that showed everyone you can be smart and a momma. You are the momma that got herself off welfare. You are the mom who is educated and inspired everyone you came across. You are the one who taught us to advocate for ourselves and our friends. 

So blessed to be able to say that I was blessed to have childhood and adult memories with Cella.  And i am so happy that I was able to tell her that I loved her and how proud I was of the woman she had become.  She was a pillar of strength, and loved being a MOTHER and she was a darn GOOD mother.  To the girls you mirror your Mothers compassion for life and the love she had for FAMILY.   Love you all. 

Marcella, it has been years since I've seen her but she has left a lasting impression of a beautiful, fun, devoted mother to me.    My interactions with her as a child was during after school programs such as girl scouts and through interactions with her daughters from Elementary school to High school, whom I have grown very fond of.  She was the one the mothers who was there for all the girls and cared for them as her own.   Whenever I think of a dedicated loving mother who is involved in her child and their communities upbringing, Marcella is the person who is the definition of that.  She is who I strive to be like as a current mother.  I thank you Marcella for all the service and love you gave to me and all the kids in the community of Oakland.  I'm saddened the world has lost another great soul and I send my deepest condolences to her family for this great loss.   I hope the Lord can be with you and comfort you all through this very difficult time.  Marcella, I hope you are in Heaven looking down on us smiling.   

Marcella was a beautiful person.  We worked closely together at OUSD.  The care and support she provided her special students had an immense impact on their development.  We were colleagues who became friends.  I will miss her wit and grace.  I regret that I will be on the east coast for her funeral.  I send condolences to Marcella’s family and friends.  

Miss Marcella was/is a strong example of the power of the spirit within us.  She maintained her faith in God and it showed in her never give up, positive attitude.  May she now be encompassed in the love of Christ and surrounded with the beauty of the Father

I have so many memories with hanging out with Marcella, from raising our kids. Doing Halloween, going to Lake Merritt to see the shootings of Coming To America .  Just different  activities.  We had the kids make their cookie dough for the holidays. 
She taught me how to make Egg Rolls.
We worked together at Bella Visita  for years while our children attended the school.  We form the school PTA had different activities and contests for the students.
We both seen our kids grow up her beautiful  4 girls and my boy and girl. We were family and my last talk with her was Early March doing my check in with her  She will be missed but she  will be looking over us with her beautiful smile and heart. 

To the family,
My prayers for Comfort are with you during this time of transition. I absolutely know that Ms. Marcella is with the Lord and probably making everyone laugh.  She was and will continue to be an inspiration. 
Love in Christ,
Zandra 

OBITUARY

Marcella Louise Lindsey

October 20, 1958 – April 1, 2022

C. P. Bannon Mortuary

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services