I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. II Timothy 4:7-8 (KIV)
Melsia ‘Mae’ Mars, age 89, was born May 8, 1931, in Abbeville, SC to the late Lula Mae Hamilton and Melvin Fuller, the eldest of three children. She departed this earthly life surrounded by her loving family on October 15, 2020 at her home.
Educated in the Abbeville public school system, Melsia was employed in the manufacturing industry prior to remaining home to provide extraordinary love and care for many of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A lifelong member of Mount Clement CME Church, she became unable to attend service, however, Melsia continued to recall her earlier days of the church. Additional joys in her life were cooking, baking, and sewing; she was also known for her green thumb.
In addition to her parents, Melsia was preceded in death by her husband, John Franklin Mars, Sr., and two grandsons, J. Terrance Elmore and Shaun T. Mars.
She leaves a legacy of love and devotion to her family: one son, John Franklin (Sara) Mars, Jr. of Anderson, SC; three daughters, Debra Mars (with whom she lived), Faye (Edgar) Wardlaw and Ruby (Robert) Belton, all of Abbeville; two brothers, John (Lola) Hamilton of Atlanta, GA and Eddie (Rosie) Hamilton of Ocala, FL; nine grandchildren, Darece Garlington, Lisa (Derrick) Tolbert, Cynthia (Roger) Owens, Shreeia Elmore, William (Iris) Starks, Jr., Rico Starks, Courtney Mars, Kenno Williams, and April Mars; eighteen great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and caring friends, all of whom will miss her dearly.
We are grateful for the compassion and kindness shown by Lillie Wise (special caregiver), Nikole Anderson (dedicated nurse), and Hospice and Palliative Care of the Piedmont.
A private graveside service will be held in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens. Social distancing guidelines will be observed and masks are encouraged. Those wishing to pay their respects may visit Harris Funeral Home on Tuesday, October 20 and Wednesday, October 21 between the hours of 10:00AM – 4:00PM.
The family is at the home.
Memorial contributions, in memory of Melsia, may be sent to Hospice and Palliative Care of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Ave., Greenwood, SC 29646.
A message of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com .
Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Abbeville is assisting the Mars family.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Melsia Mae (Fuller) Mars, please visit our floral store.
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