Mary Sellers

Mary Frances Pollard Sellers departed this earthly life on Saturday, January 10, 2026 after an extended illness. Mary was born on February 28, 1928 in Georgetown, SC to the late Ethel Gasque Pollard and William Gus Pollard. The family moved to Harrells, North Carolina when Mary was a child. She graduated from Bland High School, Willard, NC in 1946. She married Thomas Sellers in 1948 and to that union, two daughters were born, Priscilla and Katie. As a young adult Mary joined Keathern Chapel Church and became an active member serving as an Usher, Young Adult Choir member and served in any capacity where she was needed. She also was a proud member of a gospel group called The Willing Travelers. Mary worked several jobs in the early days as a domestic, as well as farm work.

The family moved to Philadelphia, PA around 1955 and she lived in the city until 1974 and returned to North Carolina, sadly after the divorce. She reestablished her membership at Keathern Chapel and continued to usher, sing with the choir, and oversee the duties in the Church kitchen. Mary was an active member of the Keathern Missionary Circle for over 45 years. She held the distinct honor of being the oldest member of the church for many, many years. Mary married Walter Fennell, Jr. in 1976 and gladly accepted his children into her life and her heart and treated them as her own. Walter proceeded her in death in 1991.

The second time around! Mary remarried Thomas Sellers and they remained committed until his death in 2005. Mary loved her family and expressed it through her cooking, baking and nurturing to anyone who came to her home. Mary looked forward to the family’s annual family reunions. Mary loved to fish, especially catching spots! Mary was an active member of the Harrells Breakfast Ladies club. They would gather monthly to fellowship and “chat and chew”. Mary thrived at sewing and quilting and meeting each weekday at the Harrells Nutrition Center for the quilting bee, good conversation, praise service and delicious food. Gardening was also a passion as well as playing all kinds of games with family and friends.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories: Daughters, Priscilla Kelly (Michael) of Harrells,NC; Katie Greer (Bob) of Harrells, NC.Three bonus daughters, Marilyn Brewington (Barto) of Faison, NC; Karmen Fennell of Philadelphia, PA; Patty Sellers of Philadelpia, PA; Grandchildren: Dione Sellers Teachey of the home, Marvin Rideout, Jr., Marcus Rideout, Teleka Gregory (Leonard), Chanara Fennell-Kisner (Alex), Ciji Hernandez, Barto Brewington II, Kiera Brewington, Keenan Sellers, Keaono Sellers and Kenesha Sellers. Three special granddaughters, Shaneka Lee, Cynthia Patterson and Wanda Adkins, 27 great grandchildren and 24 great great grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Her legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of her loved ones.

The Funeral Service will be at 12:00 PM, noon on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Keathern Chapel Baptist Church, 92 Bland School Road, Harrells, NC. The family will receive friends at the church from 11:00-11:45 AM, before the service at noon. Interment to follow in the church cemetery. Reverend Harvey Robinson and Reverend Jeffery Howard will be officiating the service.