Mary Etta (Squirewell) Kelly

Mrs. Mary Etta Squirewell Kelly was born on June 4, 1921, in Ridgeway, SC. She was the beloved daughter of the late Mr. James Preston and Mrs. Clara Lee Squirewell. She transitioned to her glorious new home on January 27, 2019. 

Mary was united in Holy Matrimony on February 27, 1949, to Mr. Samuel Kelly, Sr. God blessed their union with more than 56 years of love and loyalty to one another and with four children, Mary, Samuel Jr., James, who (an infant) predeceased her, and Shirley. Together, they made their marriage work and last and set an example of a blessed marriage. While her husband worked and provided for the family, Mary was a stay at home mom and did not work outside the home until their youngest child, Shirley, was of the age to attend school. She was also instrumental in nurturing her grandchildren.

Mary became a member of St. Mark Baptist Church in Simpson, SC, at a young age, and later moved her membership to Second Nazareth Baptist Church, where she was a member over 5o years. She relished the friendships that she formed with her church family over the years and often spoke favorably of them. She took pleasure in serving with the Senior Missionary Society for many years, and faithfully attended Sunday School and made sure that her children also were there. When she was no longer able to attend services, she was grateful when loved ones and visitors prayed and sang with her. Although she could not speak, she continued to hum hymnals and sometimes to their amazement, she sang. The last song she audibly sang, Psalm 27, The Lord is my light and salvation, was in the presence of her children and grandchildren with prayer, reading of Scripture, and rejoicing.

Mary loved her family and friends, but most importantly, the Lord. She and her husband cared for others in their home with gratitude for the strength and ability to nurture and provide assistance. She was an excellent seamstress and sewed for the family and others outside the home. She enjoyed knitting and crocheting. Her granddaughter, Candice, has fond memories of attending classes and learning these crafts as she mimicked her Grandmother. Mary loved plants and flowers, and especially gardening with her husband and canning homegrown produce. Brandice’s most memorable childhood moments with her Grandmother was picking fresh peas from the garden and helping to can them. Ashley had a special relationship with her Grandmother, and warmly reflects on their times of playing games and putting puzzles together.

Mary had an excellent spirit, coupled with sweetness and humbleness. She is known for her beautiful heartfelt smile, regardless of circumstances. People enjoyed being around her for she welcomed everyone and did not speak ill of anyone. She did not know gossip, but she knew praise. 

After long years of pouring herself and love into others, she was able to rest in God's peace that surpasses understanding, for she had done her work well. During the months that Mary was confined to the bed and no longer able to take care of herself, she continued to smile. She enjoyed looking through the window of the home that she and her husband had built together, admiring the sites and God's beautiful scenery around her as she lay there. She loved people and freely gave of her talents and substance for the benefit of others. Her desire was to live a life pleasing to Him. As she aged, her family was often concerned with her living alone and driving, even after she was well into her 90's. Her response always was, "The angels are with me, so I'm not worried." Her faith kept her.

On Sunday morning, her children and grandchildren were blessed to be with her and witness as she looked towards heaven and saw its glory. She also pointed towards the window that she had spent months looking from. Although she was not able to speak, she let her family know that the time of her departure had arrived. She was a faithful servant, and truly fought the good fight of faith! 

Mary was pre-deceased by four brothers, Mr. James Squirewell, Mr. Louis Squirewell, Mr. Eddie Squirewell, and a sister, Mrs. Clara Squirewell Gladden. Those who will cherish precious and loving memories are her loving and devoted son, Mr. Samuel Kelly, Jr., two caring and loving daughters, Ms. Mary Kelly Wright and Ms. Shirley Benita Kelly, three loving granddaughters who faithfully and lovingly stayed the course with her: Ms. Brandice LaVerne Wright, Mrs. Candice Wright McCuien, Ms. Ashley Samantha Kelly, and one great-daughter, whom she adored, Alana McCuien, and grandson-in-law, Mr. Kenny McCuien, all of Columbia, SC. She also leaves to share precious memories two brothers, Mr. Sidney and Mr. Celess Squirewell, Ridgeway, SC, one sister, Mrs. Eloise Taylor, Elgin, SC, three sisters-in-law, Mrs. Henrietta Squirewell, Ridgeway, SC, and Mrs. Mae Helen Gibbs and Mrs. Yvonne Samuels, both of Richmond, VA, and a host of nephews, nieces and other loving relatives and friends who join the family in celebrating her life that was well lived, for she is now with her Savior.

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