Bernard Patterson Kellum, along with his "womb-mate" Bernice, was born to Clarence and Constance Kellum on February 3, 1939, in Salem, NJ. They were the first set of twins to join their older siblings Doris, Betty and Clarence, Jr. Two more sets were to follow.

Bernard received his early education at the Mannington & Salem School systems. Bernie and his siblings were raised to be responsible citizens with a good work ethic. He learned about the Lord when he was a youngster while attending the African Union Methodist Protestant Church (AUMP) in Marshalltown, NJ with his family. After high school he was drafted into the Unites States Army. He served for two years of active duty during the 60's, with most of his assignment in Germany. Bernie became and chef/cook while he was in the service. Following his honorable discharge from the service he obtained a job at Mannington Floors in Salem, NJ, working there for 29 years. During the mid-90's, Mannington downsized and he found himself without a job in his late 50's. He was not ready to retire, so he took a parttime job with Multifacet Industrial Supply Co. – owned by his church buddy, Felton Walker. He worked as a delivery person for about 9 years. Still, Bernie was not ready to stay home so he increased his time spent at Mt. Calvary.

Later Life
In the early 80's Berne's life changed. Even though he and Marianne had known each other over the years, they had never spent time together. In the fall of 1981, they became a couple and got engaged on Valentine's Day, 1982. They were married during the Memorial Day weekend on May 29th, 1982. God blessed them with 40 years of marriage.
After his marriage to Marianne, Bernie joined Mt. Calvary on January 1, 1983, and was baptized by the Rev. James W. Harris. He decided that he would be of the most service as part of the Kitchen/Food Ministry. He was faithful and dedicated to this ministry. While many only saw him in the kitchen, most did not realize that he was also the shopper, going to Sam's and BJ's before coming to the church to prepare meals.
Bernie had 39 years of faithful service as a member in the Senior Ushers Ministry, the Trustee Board, the Inspirational Choir (aka Gospel Chorus), and the Willing Workers. His love for serving others was evident through his years of preparing meals for the Outreach Breakfast, and the assisting with the weekly Food Distribution.

Bernie and Marianne were truly blessed by God to travel to many places during their marriage. Their trips included states along the east coast, the west coast, cruises to the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Alaska, and even two trips to Hawaii.

Bernie leaves to cherish his memory a devoted wife, Marianne Harris-Kellum, three sisters – Betty Jones, Florence Dixon, and Ernestine Brooks and one brother – Ernest Kellum and wife Norma: Sisters-in-law – Bertha (Kellum) Henderson, Janice Kellum, Sharon Kellum, Mable Johnson and husband Frank; many nieces and nephews, extended family, Mt. Calvary Church family, and his "chosen family" with whom we spent many good times socializing and traveling.

He was predeceased by his twin sister, Bernice Rhone, sister Doris Fields, brothers Larry Kellum and Clarence Kellum.