Marcella Keller was born on June 13, 1942, in New Orleans, to the late Robbie and Eddie Keller Sr. She was the fifth of six children and was reared in the Poplas Quarters community of Bogalusa. At an early age, she accepted Christ and joined the Sweet Beulah Baptist Church.

At 16 years old, Marcella graduated from Central Memorial High School with the “Class of 1958.” She received a Bachelor Degree in Social Work from Southern University. Marcella started her career a year later when she moved to Chicago, Ill., and began working for the Illinois Department of Human Services, where she devoted 38 years to the families she helped.

During her years in Chicago, Marcella was an active member of the First Baptist Congregational Church, where she served on various committees such as the Pastor Anniversary, Women’s Day, Homecoming, and any other programs she could assist.

Marcella went to be with the Lord on Monday, June 11, 2018. She was preceded in death by her parents, Eddie and Robbie Keller; and three brothers and sisters-in-law, Eddie (Rose Mary) Keller Jr., Devon (Lessie) Keller and Dennis Keller.

She leaves to remember her sophisticated and exuberant spirit: her big brother, Normel (Theresa) Keller Sr., and her baby sister, Lulla Jo Keller of Bogalusa; sister-in-law, Hazel Keller of Maywood, Ill.; godsons, Levon Harry and Jerry Rogers; a host of nieces and nephews, whom she loved dearly; other loving relatives and friends; and caregivers, the Conway family, Eleana (deceased), Leonard, Mona, Monica, Ebony, Justin and Laura Crofford.

Visitation will be Friday, June 22, from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. at Sweet Beulah Baptist Church, followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. with the Rev. James Magee, pastor, officiating.

Interment will be in the Bogalusa Cemetery.