Marcella Pearl Wilson Aldrich Washington, age 71, a resident of Toledo Ohio transitioned peacefully on November 27, 2020.  Marcella, known to most as Penny was born on October 6, 1949 the firstborn child of the late James E. Wilson Sr, and Dorothy Russell Wilson Graham. 

For many years she worked in retail and grocery stores.  A bookkeeper by profession, Penny had many different work experiences throughout her life.  She began working for Cox’s Department store as a cashier shortly after she graduated from South Huntington High School in 1967. She eventually moved from the floor to the back office where she found her passion and pursued a degree in bookkeeping while working full time as a bookkeeper for Cox’s. It was while she was traveling from work to school that she met a young college student David “Mitch” Lloyd.  Penny and David courted, married and together they had one child, Davina Michelle Lloyd (McFarland).  Penny later met and married Michael J. Aldrich and in 1974 and they had one child together, Jason Edward Aldrich.  Penny and Michael resided and raised their children in Belle Vernon.  While raising her young family, Penny volunteered in the local Head Start program.  She started as a parent volunteer but continued to give her time to the Head Start long after her youngest child had graduated from the program.  Penny was a devoted mother, daughter, homemaker and hostess.  In 1974 she planned and hosted her mother’s wedding in her Belle Vernon home.  Penny had a passion for needlepoint and she sewed often. She created needlepoint ornaments for her Christmas tree and when her children were old enough to have their own homes, she made them each a new set, which was a good thing because the children would surely have fought over them.  She was a fantastic cook and avid reader. 

Later in her life she began what would be her longest lasting career as a sales clerk for Giant Eagle, and later when she moved to Ohio, Kroger.  A bright and friendly person, Penny loved interacting with and helping the public every day. 

Known to most as “Aunt Penny” she was beloved in every community. 

Penny was a longtime member of St. Paul Church Of God In Christ in Toledo where she served on the usher board, pastor’s aide, hospitality and anniversary committee. She also sang in the choir. She moved to Toledo in 2000 to live with her sister Ytera to share in the care of their mother Dorothy until her passing in 2010.  She also helped to raise her great nieces and nephews Robert Neely, Dorian Neely, Ytera Banks, and Arwen Wiley. 

Penny will be remembered in love by her children Davina Michelle Lloyd McFarland (Benjamin) of Bowie Maryland and Jason Edward Aldrich (Carla) of Belle Vernon. She also had three step-children: Gwenda Aldrich Dowdy (Atlanta GA), Michael J. Aldrich Jr (Atlanta GA), and Yvette Michele Aldrich-Appiah (Pasadena MD).

Her Grandchildren: Joshua Alexander McFarland, Chauncy Joshua Hackett, Matthew Christopher McFarland, Halla Ayana Aldrich, and Sarah Vivian Marcella McFarland

Her Siblings: Ytera Ann Jones of Toledo, Claude LaRoyal Wilson of Pittsburgh, James Edward Wilson Jr (Kandis) of Highland CA, Daniel Allen Wilson (Sharon) of Uniontown. 

Her Uncles: Elder Claude Russell and Elder Roosevelt Russell (Barbara) and host of cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her brother Claude Wilson I and her niece Dorthea Marie Jones. 

Private committal service will be held at Olive Branch Cemetery on Friday, December 4, 2020.

Arrangements entrusted to Aldrich Funeral Homes 608-610 Sixth Street   Monessen, PA 15062  724-684-4114