Mary Kelow

Mary Genell Kelow was born on December 4, 1953, to Elijah Sullivan and Mary Lee Wright in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Mary would become affectionately known as “Nell.” Nell relocated to Chicago as a toddler with her mother. Nell, being her mom’s only child, developed a close relationship with her first cousins. She was considered a sister instead a cousin. She completed her education through the Chicago public school system. Nell accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age at Christ Tabernacle Baptist Church, under the leadership of Reverend Milton Brunson, and was currently a faithful member of Grace Central, under the leadership of Pastor Darius Brooks. Nell would later marry Jake C. Kelow II. This union created a family of three daughters, Audrey, Nicole, and Elyse, and three sons, Darryl, Jake C. Kelow III, and Anthony. Nell worked various jobs including operating a school bus and concluding with working for Walmart. She worked for Walmart until she was unable to do so. Nell devoted all her time to her family and friends. She was also an avid animal lover. Her fur babies, Angel and Peter, got nothing but love and attention from her. Nell was preceded in death by her parents, mother-in-law, Gertrude Finger, brother-in-law, Bobby Kelow, sisters, Shalonda and Angela, sisters-in-law, Carmenita Watkins and Tracie Williams-Nelson, bonus son, Anthony Kelow, great-grandson, Leo, and her fur babies, Cinnamon and Chico. Nell’s spirit was beautiful inside and out. She never let her disability disable her will to do anything. Nell remained strong until God presented her with a new assignment that required her presence with him. Nell took her new assignment on August 17, 2021. Nell leaves her cherished memories to: her devoted husband, Jake C. Kelow II; her daughters, Audrey and Nicole Smiley; her bonus daughter, Elyse Kelow; her bonus sons, Darryl Kelow and Jake C. Kelow III (April); sisters, Regina Sease and Renee Martin; sisterin-law, Betty Kelow; uncles, Arthur Lott (Sandra) and Evertte Sullivan (Naomi); aunt, Doreen Wright; 15 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, healthcare workers, and fur babies.

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