Marcella Tennell Everett
On Wednesday, November 6, 1929 a baby girl was born to Ruth and Walter Tennell. They named her Marcella – meaning warlike or strong young warrior- which pretty much summed up her personality. Marcella joined older sister Marie and was soon followed by her brother Walter-the baby of the family.
Marcella attended public school in St. Louis, Missouri – graduating from Sumner High School in 1947 and attending Stowe Teacher’s College.
Later, she gave birth to a daughter, Deborah Ruth and married her childhood sweetheart-Roland Taylor Everett. The pride and joy of her life was her grandson, Lawrence Ross, who she called “Crumb”.
Marcella was an excellent cook who enjoyed preparing meals for her family. Her nieces will always remember her for her meatloaf, mashed potatoes and lemon meringue pie. Amongst the children in her family she was known as a great story-teller — weaving yarns better than Paul Bunyan himself.
Although Marcella had a stroke in the 1980’s and struggled to regain her full independence, her fighting spirit and determination remained strong. Later in life Marcella became ill, had surgery, and recuperated at Barnes-Jewish Extended Care. Upon release, she spent the remaining two years of her life at home where she was cared for by her grandson Lawrence.
Being a devout Catholic, even during her illness, she continued to recite the Rosary on her prayer beads daily. On the afternoon of Wednesday, May 28th, 2014, while she and her daughter Deborah were holding hands and watching television, Marcella took her last breath and began a new journey.
She was such a character – she will be missed by all her knew and loved her!
Marcella is survived by her daughter Deborah Ruth Turner-Sims, grandson Lawrence Ross Sims, brother Walter George Tennell, nieces Sheryl Tennell-McFarland (& husband William), Pamela Diane Tennell and Marcella Tennell, great-nephew Michael Tennell, and great-nieces Dale Erin Clay, Khalilah Tennell Henderson (& her sons Michael II and Khristopher), Morgan Dominique Tennell (& her daughter Marinna Castro-Lester) and Millicent Carter Tennell.
In accordance with Marcella’s wishes, a small memorial will be held in her honor on Wednesday, June 11, 2014 at the chapel at St. Louis Cremation located at 2135 Chouteau Avenue, St. Louis MO 63103. The family will receive guests from 1pm to 4pm. A chaplain from Comfort Hospice will be giving a brief prayer service during this time.
Please leave your memories of Marcella and messages of love for her family below.
My deepest sympathies Deborah, Lawrence and family. When I reflect on my childhood, many pleasant memories of Ms. Marcella come to mind, as well as in my adulthood when Ms. Marcella was one of the first people I ever trusted to babysit my newborn son. I’m blessed to have known her and also blessed to have had such a wonderful childhood that included her daughter, my auntie Deborah and my cousin “Crumb Daddy” Lawrence. Blessings, peace, and comfort to you during this time of loss. Love Always Joanne
Deborah and Lawrence, I am so very sorry to learn of Marcella’s passing. Over the years I have thought so much about her and the impression she has left on me. She is missed.