Marlene R. Bullock

Marlene R. (Kelley) Bullock was born on September 30th, 1937, to Mildred and William Kelley, in Columbus, Ohio. She was the second oldest of nine children and was full of life and determination. She was nothing short of driven and passionate, which would lay the foundation for her many accomplishments.

With Christ as her foundation, she set her sights on helping as many people as possible, particularly the voices of the minority. As a champion for racial equality, her passion and commitment to the black community catapulted her from a regional representative to the national secretary of CORE. In addition to keeping all the records, she participated in meetings with historical figureheads such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to Malcolm X. She participated in most major national conferences of that era and spent over 30 years of her life in community affairs. Marlene’s love for people would go beyond the Civil Rights Movement. From sitting as a Chairperson on the Board of Trustees for New Covenant Believers’ Church; to spending over 25 years helping to create better programs and standards for people with special needs and mental health issues. She took to heart the quote from Corrine Brown, “I will let the work I’ve done speak for me.”

Among her many works and accomplishments, Marlene graduated with her B.A. in History, Human Services, and Sociology (Summa Cum Laude) and an honorary M.A. in Political Science/Sociology from Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago, Illinois. She would later retire as a Senior Revenue Officer from the Internal Revenue Service to spend much-needed time with her children and grandchildren. Marlene enjoyed sewing and cooking and finally fulfilled her dream of creating a cookbook of her favorite family recipes to share with her family and friends. She truly lived life abundantly.

She is preceded in death by her parents: William Kelley and Mildred (Jackson) Kelley. Her sons: Michael Wilson and Glenn Wilson. Her siblings: Viola (Kelley) Thurman, Robert Kelley, Barbara (Kelley) Obey, and June (Kelley) Delco. She is survived in death by her children: Victoria (Wilson) Richardson, Blyden Shanklin, and Malik Smith. Her siblings: Kay (Kelley) Cole, William Kelley, Marilyn (Kelley) Dawkins, and Joan Kelley. Her 12 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and a host of family and friends.