PHILIPP — Yvonne Kelly Fennell, 88, of Philipp, departed from this life on Thursday, May 25, at her home.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, May 27, at Philipp Baptist Church in Philipp, with visitation at 1 p.m. and funeral services at 2 p.m., with Brother Millard Caulder and Brother Preston Kelly officiating. Colton Walker, Colby Cook, Lawson Steed, Rolin Steed, Larry Earp and Keith Livingston will carry her to rest, with Henry Starnes and Dr. Bruce Longest serving as honorary pallbearers. She will be laid to rest in Magnolia Gardens Cemetery in Paynes.
She was born in Philipp, at her family home on May 29, 1934, to the late Leroy Kelly and the late Ella Mae Denham Kelly.
Yvonne spent many years working as a teacher and high school principal, sharing school and life lessons, loving and supporting her students. Her years at Strider Academy were so dear to her heart and difficult to put into words. But as a dear friend Linda Perkins said, “If she was committed to a person or a cause there was no stopping her, and you had better not get in her way.” What a perfect description of her love and devotion to so many things in her life.
She also helped keep things running smoothly at Fennell Farms, whatever the day might bring. She loved her local church, Philipp Baptist Church, where she served as a pianist for over 70 years. She loved to work in her yard and spoil her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She leaves behind a family she dearly loved to continue her legacy: J.W. Fennell, Sr., loving husband; son, Joe (Betty Jane) Fennell of Minter City; son, Kelly (Vicki) Fennell of Philipp; daughter, Robin (Brent) Harrelson of Bruce; six grandchildren, Kimberly (Dee) Steed, Kelsie (Martin) Tribble, Karlie (James) Morgan, Colton (Rachel) Walker, Anna (Brett) Farmer, and Maegan (Raines) Cook; eleven great-grandchildren: Lawson, Rolin, and Lakelyn Steed; Mary Hiram and Caroline Morgan; Louis and Jane Tribble; Ava, Thomas and Madelyn Walker; Hayes Cook; and soon to be John Ryker Farmer.
Wilson and Knight Funeral Home is in charge. Online guestbook may be signed at www.wilsonandknight.com
