CELEBRATION OF PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING FOR THE LIFE OF
30 May 1967 – 30 September 2023 AGE - 56 Years HELD AT New Testament Baptist Church Dolphin Drive Saturday 4 November 2023 At 10:00 am OFFICIATING Pastor David Adams ASSISTED BY Superintendent Deacon Wilton Johnson INTERMENT Eastern Cemetery Shirley Street, N. P., Bahamas
Obituary
We Honor Our: Son, Husband, Father, Brother, Uncle, Nephew, Cousin, and Friend. On May 30th, 1967, heaven smiled upon the late Mavis Lockhart and blessed her with a beautiful baby boy. He was given the name Marchello Dion Kelly. As the years went by, the love that he shared with family and others became evident and is displayed through the significant impact he has had on the lives of many. Affectionately called Marchie or Chello, Marchello received his education at C.W. Sawyer Primary School, S.C. McPherson, and A.F. Adderley Secondary High School. During this time, he also went to work as a packing boy then he went into the produce department where he enjoyed making fruit baskets. Marchello also worked as a pump attendant. From an early age Marchello always worked to take care of himself and help his family. During his school days Marchello became a national legend as a basketball player. It started at S.C. McPherson and blossomed into a huge following when he began playing guard for the dominant A.F. Adderley Tigers. It’s hard to describe the impact the Tigers had, specifically on the Yellow Elder Community, their games were like a major concert, the gym was standing room only. And then they did the impossible, something that had never been done before. Marchello led The A.F. Adderley Tigers to an undefeated 16 - 0 season. “Fast hands Kelly did it again” is all you could hear from the stands. Coach Doug Collins gave Marchello most of the credit because he was the floor general. He continually guided his teammates, telling them to bench themselves when tired because “we must win”. At times Marchie would take over games. He would say, “sometimes you have to do it yourself ”. It was normal to see him grab a rebound and go coast to coast, for a layup. Marchello played for the Bahamas National team, representing the country in several international tournaments, and later played Night League for the Cougars. After years of playing locally and for National teams, Marchello was invited to an NBA camp. At this level every player was elite; he had an outstanding camp
and was delighted to be invited to the next round. During this round he met players that would make the league but that was as far as he went. As a young man, Marchello joined New Testament Baptist Church where he gave his life to Christ and became a lifelong student of the Bible. He was never bashful in sharing his beliefs and would share with one and all. In grade ten Marchello met his beautiful wife Andrea at a basketball game. Years later, their marriage was blessed with a son Mariano Nathaniel Dion Kelly. He also shared an incredibly special bond with his mother, sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, and the Yellow Elder Family. Marchello was known for quoting the Bible, and when he wasn’t working or worshipping, he enjoyed singing, swimming, and spending time with his grandsons. One of the greatest Bahamian basketball players of his time, he had an opportunity to go to college but being an altruistic person, he opted to work and later invest in a business endeavor with his older brother, Derek. As a self-employed proprietor in drywall, he became well known for his skillful work and demeanor. The Dassler sisters, Adidas heirs, were memorable clients. Marchello did major work on the Crystal Palace Hotel, and many other notable jobs, but Marchello’s favorite client was the late Harl Taylor, because Harl had a discerning eye and demanded perfection. Marchello knew his trade and could not be convinced to produce substandard work. He would explain that it wasn’t necessary to cut corners because he could produce top quality work in the same time it took others to do inferior work. In recent years Marchie transitioned to a simple life, focusing more on storing treasures in heaven rather than here on Earth. He connected more with family and poured into the next generation. Marchie would call regularly just to check in with family and friends. His grandsons were the beneficiaries of many talks, and life lessons. On September 28th, 2023, Marchello was experiencing severe chest pains and shortness of breath. His daughter Philicia called the ambulance, he was treated and returned home. Never one to give up, he remained optimistic that he would feel better soon. But on Saturday September 30th, 2023 Marchello peacefully slipped away to be with his Lord and Savior. Marchello’s Quotes: • Read your Bible. 1 Psalms & 1 Proverbs a day will take your worries away. • “I do not reverse and back back. I always have a way out. I even park my truck so I can go straight out.”
Marchello was pre-deceased by Mavis Lockhart, Brudinell, Omar & Delevccio Kelly Left to cherish his memories are Dr. Andrea Huyler-Kelly and their son Mariano Kelly, Sons: Kendeno Knowles and Marchello Nicco Kelly; Daughters: Philicia and Alicia Kelly; Sisters: Karen Lockhart, Michelle Albright and Michelle Kelly; Brothers: Derek and Peter Johnson, Ricardo, Kennon and Michael Lockhart, Kennatate, Arondale, Pernell Kelly and Kenneth Anderson; Mother-in-law: Dorothy Huyler; Grandchildren: Brayden Ferguson, and Kyheil Roberts Jr.; Nephews: Nikia, Hakeem, Kiptanui, and Derek Johnson Jr., Michael Johnson, Clifton Fernander Jr., Amahl and Omar Kelly Jr., Aden and Kaden Lockhart, Frankie Dean; Nieces: Ashanti, Derenique, Kaash and Brittany Johnson, Brittany, Nikita, Kadejah and Shilah Kelly, Sheerah and Anna Lockhart, Nicole Peterson Amy Smith and Courtnee Stevens, Grandnephews: Amorian Kelly, Dakari Clarke, Hadden Peterson and Winston Albright, Grandnieces: Alicia Emmanuel, Khamiy and Khamia, Green, Olivia and Charolette Albright, Ivy Peterson, Caley Wemyss, and Klynn Fernander; Aunt: Muriel Campbell-Jackson(Coco Florida); Uncle: Sir. Franklyn (Lady Sharon) Wilson and family; Brothers-in-law: Royce, Wayde and Dwayne Huyler, Sisters-in-law: Nakesha Knowles-Kelly, Charmaine Smith, Anges Lockhart; Nieces-in-law: Maria Albright and Krystal Johnson; Cousins: Jenni Scavella, Patrona, Patrice Tunka, Linda Lynden, Perez, Demetruis, Millicent Fernander, Marvalyn and Dennis Bowe, Patoo, Navaro, Kenrito Anderson Querell Clarke, Rosemary Tynes, Ramon Rolle, Robert and Juanita Gardiner, Paula Scott, Dellareese Woodside, Jason Bain, Janice Pritchard; Extended family and friends including: Bishop Neil (Patrice) Ellis and family, Earl R. Fraser and family, Bishop Roker and church family, Kennon Lockhart Sr., Bro-Kell Construction and the Kelly family, New Providence Classical School family, Dr. Tameka McNeil and the Lightfoot family, Roger Poulin and family, Marie Stubbs and family, Barbara Hanna and family, Cato Contractors Ltd., Brenda Ferguson, Adam(Catherine) Mackey and family, Reggie (Olga) and Kingsley (Maedawn) Munroe, Ricardo, Walter and Dellareece Rolle, Leslie, Sonja and Orlando Albury, Shariff (Cindy) Ferguson, LaVerne and Kevin (Inger)Archer, Pastor David and Vernita Adams and The New Testament Church Family, The Johnson Family, Genevieve Bethell and goddaughters Angelique and Krishe Bethell, Christ Community Church Family, The Nixon family, Casey Wemyss and family, Clifton Fernander Sr. and family, Chrstine Munnings and family, Sherene Ferguson and family, Kyheil Roberts Sr. Herman Sturrup, Janiska Major, Henry and Shirley Saunders, Adolphus Cash, Fritz J. Knowles and family, Cougars Basketball Family, AF Adderley School Family, Ruth Donaldson, Nettie Clarke, Herman Sturrup, Lisa Cruz, Pat, Greg Cooper and family, Cheddar Tero, Lillian, Timothy and Cameron, The Yellow Elder Community – Keno Lightbourne, Buddy and family, Nanna, Pat, Carollee, Mary, Daddy Rolle, Shanelle, the Daxon family – Kerm, Jet, Berckley, Delly, The Lloyd family, Renmar Precision Development and many others too numerous to mention.
MUSICAL PRELUDE
Order of Service
ENTRANCE OF THE PASTORS SEATING OF THE FAMILY CLOSING OF THE CASKET WELCOME PRAYER | Superintendent Deacon Wilton Johnson OPENING HYMN | “There’s A Sweet Sweet Spirit In This Place” There’s a sweet, sweet Spirit in this place, And I know that it’s the Spirit of the Lord; There are sweet expressions on each face, And I know that it’s the presence of the Lord.
There are blessings you cannot receive, ‘Till you know Him in His fullness and believe; You’re the one to profit when you say, “I am going to walk with Jesus all the way.”
Chorus Sweet Holy Spirit, Sweet heavenly dove, Stay right here with us, filling us with Your love; And for these blessings we lift our hearts in praise Without a doubt we know that we’ll have been revived, When we shall leave this place.
If you say He saved you from your sin, Now you’re weak, you’re bound and cannot enter in; You can make it right if you will yield, You’ll enjoy the Holy Spirit that we feel.
INVOCATION | Pastor David Adam SPECIAL MUSIC | Minister Ricky/The Anointed Voices THE LORD’S PRAYER – LATIN | Mariano Kelly (son) Pater noster, qui es in caelis, Sanctificetur Nomen Tuum;Adveniat Regnum Tuum; Fiat voluntas Tua, Sicut in caelo, et in terra. Panem nostrum cotidianum da nobis hodie;Et dimitte nobis debita nostra, Sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris;Et ne nos inducas in tentationem; Sed libera nos a Malo. Amen. OLD TESTAMENT READING | Psalms 91: 1-16 | Kendeno Kelly (son) He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation. CONGREGATIONAL HYMN | “It Is Well with My Soul” When peace like a river, attendeth my way My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought! When sorrows like sea billows roll My sin, not in part but the whole Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more It is well, it is well, with my soul Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, o my soul! It is well With my soul It is well, it is well with my soul Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come Let this blest assurance control That Christ has regarded my helpless estate And hath shed His own blood for my soul
It is well (it is well) With my soul (with my soul) It is well, it is well with my soul It is well (it is well) With my soul (with my soul) It is well, it is well with my soul.
It is well (it is well) With my soul (with my soul) It is well, it is well with my soul NEW TESTAMENT READING | 1 Cor 15:51-58 | Ricardo Lockhart (brother) Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. TRIBUTE IN SONG | Michael Johnson (nephew) OBITUARY | Read in Silence TRIBUTE FROM AF ADDERLEY CLASS OF 1984 | Samuel Evans TRIBUTE TO THE CHELLO I KNEW | Gail McKenzie (Friend) SOLO | Paula McKeva (Family) PRAYER | Pastor Robert Gardiner (Family)
SPECIAL MUSIC | Great is Thy Faithfulness | Nikita Thompson (Friend) EULOGY SERMON | Pastor David Adam PRAYER FOR THE BEREAVED FAMILY RECESSIONAL HYMN | “It is Alright Now” There was a time I traveled A lonely sinful road Beneath a heavy burden bending low But now all things are different For Jesus took my load It’s alright now I’m His I know
A-down a lonely pathway Without a friend to guide I walked in sin and sorrow all alone ‘Til Jesus came and found me And drew me to His side It’s alright now for I’m His own
(Chorus) It’s alright now For I am in my Savior’s care It’s alright now My Savior hears and answers prayer He’ll walk beside me ‘Til I climb the heav’nly stair And ev’rything is alright now
No more in sin I wander No more in darkness roam The Lord has placed My feet on higher ground Each day new heights I’m gaining My soul is nearing home It’s alright now I’m heaven bound
COMMITTAL SERVICE OPENING PRAYER REMARKS HYMN | Eastern Gate I will meet you in the morning, Just inside the Eastern Gate. Then be ready, faithful pilgrim, Lest with you it be too late.
Keep your lamps all trimmed and burning; For the Bridegroom watch and wait. He’ll be with us at the meeting Just inside the Eastern Gate.
(Chorus) I will meet you in the morning; I will meet you in the morning Just inside the Eastern Gate over there. I will meet you in the morning, I will meet you in the morning, I will meet you in the morning over there.
O the joys of that glad meeting With the saints who for us wait! What a blessed, happy meeting Just inside the Eastern Gate!
If you hasten off to glory, Linger near the Eastern Gate, For I’m coming in the morning; So you’ll not have long to wait.
COMMITTAL COMMITTAL HYMN | Farther Along Tempted and tried, we’re oft made to wonder Why it should be thus all the day long, While there are others living about us, Never molested, though in the wrong.
Faithful til death, said our loving Master A few more days to labor and wait, Toils of the road will then seem as nothing As we sweep through the beautiful gate.
(Chorus) Farther along we’ll know all about it, Farther along we’ll understand why; Cheer up my brother, live in the sunshine, We’ll understand it all by and by.
When we see Jesus, coming in glory, When He comes from His home in the sky, Then we shall meet Him in that bright mansion, We’ll understand it all by and by.
When death has come and taken our loved ones, It leaves our home so lonely and drear, Then do we wonder why others prosper Living so wicked year after year. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS | Butlers Funeral Home CLOSING PRAYER & BENEDICTION PARTING HYMN | It is Finished There’s a line that is drawn through the ages On that line stands an old rugged cross On that cross, a battle is raging To gain a man’s soul or it’s loss
The earth shakes with the force of the conflict And the sun refuses to shine For there hangs God’s son, in the balance And then through the darkness he cries
(Chorus) It is finished, the battle is over; it is finished, there’ll be no more war It is finished, the end of the conflict; it is finished and Jesus is Lord
Yet in my heart, the battle was still raging Not all prisoners of war had come home These were battlefields of my own making I didn’t know that the war had been won
On one side, march the forces of evil All the demons, all the devils of hell On the other, the angels of glory And they meet on Golgotha’s hill
Oh, but then I heard the king of the ages Had fought all the battles for me And that victory was mine for the claiming And now praise his name, I am free.
MyChello, My Best Friend! I absolutely adore you!Tiney
I love you in sickness and in health, For richer for poorer… Till death do us part. I will forever Love you! Your one wife, Dr. Andrea Kelly
Pops
MARCHELLO THE GREAT BRIGHTER DAY AT GOODMAN’S BAY BY MARIANO KELLY Creative Writing | Mrs. Schultz November 11, 2016 Sun, sand, and sea are a Bahamian trinity due to the hundreds of beaches scattered along the beautiful archipelago of the Bahamas. Each beach is unique in its own way. Cable Beach in Nassau gets its name because of the long cable that runs deep in its beautiful turquoise waters and Jaws Beach gets its name due to its shark infested waters. Goodman’s Bay Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Nassau. My father has been taking me to Goodman’s bay ever since I was a young boy; it is a place that is near and dear to my heart. There are many majestic sights in the Bahamas but Goodman’s Bay Beach is my favorite out of them all.
Goodman’s Bay has been a huge part of my life since I was a child. My father would take me to the beach with him all the time. As a young boy, I couldn’t swim as well and for as long as my father. I would usually swim along with him then watch him pull away and swim for miles non stop. I thought my dad was the bravest man on earth because swimming in the ocean is very scary. The salt water makes it very difficult to obtain a clear view of one’s surroundings. It takes courage and mental toughness to swim in the ocean. One day, after swimming for about ten minutes, my father came back to the shallows from the deep and yelled, “Now it’s you’re turn buddy! Swim to me!” I trusted my father wholeheartedly, I knew he’d never let me drown, so I sprinted in the water and blindly swam towards my father. As a child, I always swam with my eyes closed because I hated the burning feeling from the salt water so I had no idea where I was going. I just listened to my fathers comforting voice. “Keep going! Don’t stop!” he yelled. I usually swam towards my dad and when I got tired he’d hold me up in the water so I could catch my breath. I knew my rest time was coming soon so I began to swim even faster! When I finally rested in the loving care of my fathers arms, he told me to open my eyes. I couldn’t believe it! I was in the deep! Every time I got closer and closer to my father, he backed up a few feet each time. He pushed me physically and mentally at a young age. I’m so thankful because every single day during the summer of 2016, my father and I went to the beach to swim. We even went to the beach on rainy days. He and I would swim for miles and I’m now at an advanced level so I beat my dad on a regular basis. Every time I win a race against him he’s never upset or embarrassed, he’s proud. He’s proud to know that I’ve taken everything he’s taught me as a child and applied it to my life not just in swimming but in everyday life. He showed me that the depths of the ocean weren’t as scary as I thought. He taught me how to be a man and how to prioritize my life goals. He has taught me to make sacrifices for the benefit of myself and others. We’ve also had countless beach Bible studies and has given me wisdom that I wouldn’t trade for gold and silver. I love my father more than words can describe. He’s my mentor, my best friend, and the greatest “swim buddy” I could ever ask for. Goodman’s Bay Beach is a place filled with nostalgic energy for me. I can’t wait to go back home to The Bahamas and feel the sand between my toes and the sun on my face. I miss my father beyond measure but I know that we will swim together once again. Goodman’s Bay Beach truly has a momentous place in my heart.
To my Brother
MARCHELLO DION Marchello my dear brother words escape me during this time of deep sorrow the only thing that sustains me are my many memories and my absolute certainty that you are peacefully resting dear brother. We had an indescribable love for one another because of the closeness we developed as we grew up. How much more can I bury before my hearts breaks when my last tear drop falls to the ground. The sliver lines they have drawn very dry. But the pain is so heavy I cannot believe to this day you slipped away quietly. I will forever love you and miss you “Marchie,” you leaving me like this is beyond understanding. I can see you as a baby boy, a teenager, and a man this is another hard blow for me “Lord Knows,” So let me share my wisdom now for what I say is true, the tears I cry, and my emotions run high and low in my heart its anger, pain, and happiness I just need to have you near. But God knows best my dear brother “Chello” take your rest. I love you but Jesus loves you the best. Love you always your big sister Karen
UNCLE
Of all the many blessings, however great or small, to have had you for an uncle was the greatest one of all. The family chain is broken yet again, and nothing seems the same, but God takes us one by one. The chain will link again. Sleep in heavenly peace my dear uncle until we meet again. Love you now and forever. Your niece Ashanti
Daddy
is what I affectionately called you but in my eyes you were my Super Dad, My Hero, My Confider, and Provider. My dearest Daddy although you are gone from my sight your loving spirit remains imprinted on my heart. To my amazing Daddy I just want to say thank you for being there for me every step of the way. Thank you for your unconditional love, guidance and support that you showed me not only as my Father but an awesome grandfather to my son and nephew. Daddy I can never put into words how much you meant to me but I hope this tribute comes close. Like a rainbow fading like twinkle in my eyes Gone too soon Daddy. Love always your little girl! Philicia
Chello
I am very grateful that we were able to spend some quality time together, reconnecting with each other. Reminiscing about our youth, your love for Bob Marley music and singing. The way you interacted with your great nieces and your nephew and his wife. You were loved by all my friends who had the opportunity to get to know you. We all will feel the loss of not having you in our lives in the days, months, and years ahead. I will cherish those memories in my heart forever. I wish you had more time on this earth for us to visit and bond together. But, now you have wings, you are far better off. At complete peace with the Father. I’ll see you when I get there Brother. Love you Always. Your sis, Shelly
Message of Gratitude
We, the family extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to the many friends and family for each and every act of kindness shown to us during this most difficult time. Your prayers, visits, calls, messages and well wishes will always be remembered. We Sincerely Thank Everyone of You The Family PALLBEARERS Kendeno Knowles-son Marchello Necco Kelly-son Mariano Kelly-son Amy Smith-niece Clifton Fernander–nephew Derek Johnson Jr.-nephew Michael Johnson-nephew Brayden Ferguson-grandson HONOUARY PALLBEARERS Derek Johnson Sr.-brother Ricardo Lockhart -brother Kennon Lockhart brother Pernell Kelly-brother Kennatate Kelly-brother Michael Lockhart-brother
Funeral Service provided by: Butler’s Funeral Home & Crematorium
York & Ernest Streets, P. O. Box N 712, Nassau, Bahamas Telephone: 1-242-393-2822
Tel: 394-BOOK (2665) Mobile: (242) 818-3478 SCAN HERE