Marylou Kellum (née Bannar), of Columbus, NJ passed away peacefully in her home on Saturday, December 2nd, 2023, at the age of 77. She was born on July 22nd 1946, the 2nd child of Theresa Bannar (née Marino) and Raymond Bannar in Camden, NJ, where she also met her future husband, George ("Spike") Kellum, in 1959.

Marylou graduated from Camden Catholic High School and, soon after, went to work as a secretary for the Diocese of Camden. She eventually devoted her time and energies to raising a family in Somerdale, NJ, and to working, part-time, as a secretary/receptionist in the medical field.

Marylou was a woman of great spiritual faith whose favorite pastime was being with her family. She also enjoyed the beach (as long as the day was warm enough!), crafts, and dogs - especially her "grand-dogs." She was a voracious reader and was pretty much unbeatable at "Scrabble" and "Words with Friends."

Most importantly, she was a devoted mother to her children and a loving grandmother to her four grandchildren. Of all the things in her life, family (including her eight brothers and sisters and their spouses) was her true passion. She loved "the kids" of her large extended family; she and George were ever-present at sporting events, concerts, plays, and family parties involving them, always showing enthusiastic support.

She is survived by her loving husband, her three children, John Kellum, Brian Kellum and Karen Matarazzo (née Kellum) and by her grandchildren Lindsay, Jonathan, Joseph and William. She is also survived by her siblings Theresa Farmer (née Bannar), Raymond Bannar, Michael Bannar, Joan Natale (née Bannar), Richard Bannar, Jim Bannar and Rose Bannar Bove. Marylou is also survived by her brothers and sisters-in-law, cherished nieces and nephews and her many Godchildren (all of whom remember the "thirteen gifts" she'd give each of them on their thirteenth birthdays). Marylou joins her beloved brother Robert in Heaven, along with her mother and father.

There will be a visitation from 10:30am-11:30am on Thursday, December 7, 2023 at GARDNER FUNERAL HOME, RUNNEMEDE. Memorial service to follow at 11:30am.

Marylou has donated her body for research to Robert Wood Johnson medical school, so, in lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation to the school or to a charity of your choice.

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