| Joyce Louise Kellum |
| June 20, 1935 - June 12, 2025 |
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Public Events and LocationsVisitation - Thursday, June 26, 2025, 10:30 to 11:30 AM at Ivy Hill Cemetery, PhiladelphiaFuneral Service - Thursday, June 26, 2025, 11:30 AM at Ivy Hill Cemetery, Philadelphia Graveside Service - Thursday, June 26, 2025, 12:30 PM at Ivy Hill Cemetery, Philadelphia |
ContactsMetropolitan Funeral Service - 501 Easton Road, Willow Grove, PA 19090 - 215-659-6400 - Map |
| Ivy Hill Cemetery - 1201 Easton Road, Philadelphia, PA 19150 - 215-248-4533 - Map |
| Ivy Hill Cemetery - 1201 Easton Road, Philadelphia, PA 19150 - 215-248-4533 - Map |
| Penny’s by Plaza Flowers - 263 North Keswick Avenue, Glenside, PA 19038 - 215-884-9130 - Map |
The following heartfelt obituary honoring the beautiful, vibrant life of Joyce Louise Kellum was composed by Joyce’s family:
It is with both heavy hearts and deep gratitude that we celebrate the life and legacy of Joyce Louise Pearsall Kellum—beloved wife, devoted mother, doting grandmother, cherished aunt, and friend to many!
Joyce passed away June 12, 2025, just days before her 90th birthday, at Abington Memorial Hospital in Pennsylvania. She was born and raised in Philadelphia. Joyce was a proud graduate of Overbrook High School in West Philadelphia, where her passion for writing first blossomed. She served on the school’s literary staff, laying the foundation for a lifelong love of storytelling and literacy; and when she became an avid book collector. While volunteering her time to causes close to her heart, Joyce unknowingly caught the eye of Theodore Kellum at the Philadelphia Cotillion Society—a spark that would lead to a remarkable love story.
After high school, Joyce pursued her studies at Temple University with dreams of becoming a teacher in the Philadelphia public school system. Her path, however, shifted when she and Theodore began their courtship, 1955. Separated for two years while Theodore served in the U.S. Their bond endured. They were married on November 29, 1959, and together they built a joyful life filled with family, love, and unwavering partnership. Affectionately known as Diana Ross and Billy Dee by family and friends.
Joyce’s greatest pride was her family. She and Theodore raised three children—Dr. Theodore Mark Kellum, Maurina Billere-Serrano, and Melanie Kellum—instilling in them the values of comfort, love, and community. The Kellum household moved from West Philadelphia to Mount Airy and then Huntingdon Valley where they hosted many families and friends for fight parties and the epic Superbowl parties. A great time was had by all!!
The 1980s marked a time of renewed passion and creativity for Joyce. She immersed herself in the world of fashion and beauty, working as a lead makeup artist with Revlon and later Flori Roberts, where she inspired confidence in every woman she touched. We were inspired to always carry ourselves with grace and poise. Her flowy style and handmade jewelry was Boho Chic and stylish till this day.She always thought a lady should never leave the house without her lipstick on.
Joyce’s love for reading never waned. She volunteered at the Philadelphia Public Library, where she read to children daily, sharing stories and sowing seeds of imagination in our minds. Her presence was a gift to generations of inner-city youth, as well as her children. Her adventures expanded to the joy of camping from Pennsylvania to Canada, with Lake Kendall holding a special place in her heart.
Joyce and Theodore created a second home in St. Michael, Barbados—a tropical haven filled with laughter, family visits, fresh fish markets, and the occasional scooter ride with groceries in tow. Treating themselves to rum punch and the sound of the sea.
Joyce leaves behind a family who adored her, a community enriched by her presence, and a legacy of love, creativity, and service. Her memory lives on in every story she told, every child she inspired, and every life she touched. Helping to raise her grandchildren, physically, mentally and spiritually; she wished she had more time and strength to visit and spend time with ALL her grands!
Joyce leaves behind her husband Theodore, her son Theodore Mark, her daughters Maurina and Melanie, son in law Antonio Serrano Jr, her grandchildren: Baptiste, Anastasia, Amenta, Ariel and Joshua, her sister Evelyn “Dutchess” Mozee and over 50 nieces and nephews.
Rest in peace, dear Joycie. JOB WELL DONE!
You will forever be remembered, loved, and missed!
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to your local public library in her honor—so that the magic of books may continue to inspire generations, just as Joyce always did.
Relatives and friends were invited to her visitation on Thursday, June 26, 2025 from 10:30 to 11:30 A.M. and funeral service at 11:30 A.M. at Ivy Hill Cemetery, 1201 Easton Road, Philadelphia, PA 19150. Her graveside service followed in Ivy Hill Cemetery.
Family flowers arranged by Penny’s by Plaza Flowers 215-884-9130.
www.metrofsi.com
It is with both heavy hearts and deep gratitude that we celebrate the life and legacy of Joyce Louise Pearsall Kellum—beloved wife, devoted mother, doting grandmother, cherished aunt, and friend to many!
Joyce passed away June 12, 2025, just days before her 90th birthday, at Abington Memorial Hospital in Pennsylvania. She was born and raised in Philadelphia. Joyce was a proud graduate of Overbrook High School in West Philadelphia, where her passion for writing first blossomed. She served on the school’s literary staff, laying the foundation for a lifelong love of storytelling and literacy; and when she became an avid book collector. While volunteering her time to causes close to her heart, Joyce unknowingly caught the eye of Theodore Kellum at the Philadelphia Cotillion Society—a spark that would lead to a remarkable love story.
After high school, Joyce pursued her studies at Temple University with dreams of becoming a teacher in the Philadelphia public school system. Her path, however, shifted when she and Theodore began their courtship, 1955. Separated for two years while Theodore served in the U.S. Their bond endured. They were married on November 29, 1959, and together they built a joyful life filled with family, love, and unwavering partnership. Affectionately known as Diana Ross and Billy Dee by family and friends.
Joyce’s greatest pride was her family. She and Theodore raised three children—Dr. Theodore Mark Kellum, Maurina Billere-Serrano, and Melanie Kellum—instilling in them the values of comfort, love, and community. The Kellum household moved from West Philadelphia to Mount Airy and then Huntingdon Valley where they hosted many families and friends for fight parties and the epic Superbowl parties. A great time was had by all!!
The 1980s marked a time of renewed passion and creativity for Joyce. She immersed herself in the world of fashion and beauty, working as a lead makeup artist with Revlon and later Flori Roberts, where she inspired confidence in every woman she touched. We were inspired to always carry ourselves with grace and poise. Her flowy style and handmade jewelry was Boho Chic and stylish till this day.She always thought a lady should never leave the house without her lipstick on.
Joyce’s love for reading never waned. She volunteered at the Philadelphia Public Library, where she read to children daily, sharing stories and sowing seeds of imagination in our minds. Her presence was a gift to generations of inner-city youth, as well as her children. Her adventures expanded to the joy of camping from Pennsylvania to Canada, with Lake Kendall holding a special place in her heart.
Joyce and Theodore created a second home in St. Michael, Barbados—a tropical haven filled with laughter, family visits, fresh fish markets, and the occasional scooter ride with groceries in tow. Treating themselves to rum punch and the sound of the sea.
Joyce leaves behind a family who adored her, a community enriched by her presence, and a legacy of love, creativity, and service. Her memory lives on in every story she told, every child she inspired, and every life she touched. Helping to raise her grandchildren, physically, mentally and spiritually; she wished she had more time and strength to visit and spend time with ALL her grands!
Joyce leaves behind her husband Theodore, her son Theodore Mark, her daughters Maurina and Melanie, son in law Antonio Serrano Jr, her grandchildren: Baptiste, Anastasia, Amenta, Ariel and Joshua, her sister Evelyn “Dutchess” Mozee and over 50 nieces and nephews.
Rest in peace, dear Joycie. JOB WELL DONE!
You will forever be remembered, loved, and missed!
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to your local public library in her honor—so that the magic of books may continue to inspire generations, just as Joyce always did.
Relatives and friends were invited to her visitation on Thursday, June 26, 2025 from 10:30 to 11:30 A.M. and funeral service at 11:30 A.M. at Ivy Hill Cemetery, 1201 Easton Road, Philadelphia, PA 19150. Her graveside service followed in Ivy Hill Cemetery.
Family flowers arranged by Penny’s by Plaza Flowers 215-884-9130.
www.metrofsi.com