Nellie B. Jayroe

Mrs. Nellie Baker Jayroe, 91, of Columbia, died on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. Born on October 1, 1934, in Columbia, South Carolina, she was the daughter of the late Rufus and Nita Baker.

Nellie lived a life defined by strength, love, and deep faith. Raised in humble circumstances, she never let hardship shape her limits. After losing her first husband, John, to an illness connected to his service in Korea, she found herself raising their five boys on her own—a challenge she met with determination and grace. She made it her mission to give her sons a stable, loving home and to ensure they had every opportunity, especially when it came to their education. She worked tirelessly to secure the VA benefits they deserved, opening doors that changed the course of their lives. At the same time, Nellie continued her own journey, putting herself through college and eventually teaching typing to soldiers at Fort Jackson before retiring from the federal government.

Later in life, she found joy and companionship with her husband of 47 years, Harold, and took great pride in being a loving grandmother to her many grandchildren. She created a home where Sunday dinners and holiday gatherings became treasured traditions, reminding her family of the importance of staying close to one another. Above all, Nellie’s life was rooted in her faith in Jesus. She often smiled when recalling how, as a young girl, she would eagerly walk down for every altar call even after she was saved. More than anything, she wanted her family to know and love the Lord as she did—a legacy of faith and love that will continue for generations.

She is survived by her sons, John Sanchelli, Jr., Gary Sanchelli (Lori), Gregory Hampton Sanchelli (Kim); and Joseph Baker Sanchelli (Kimberly); daughter-in-law Nolley Cruikshank Sanchelli; stepdaughters, Elizabeth Gwynne Jayroe-Aykilinc (Ali) and Sarah Ellen Jayroe; grandchildren, Elizabeth Sanchelli Fisher (Nick), John Vincent Sanchelli, William Jackson Sanchelli, Caroline Necole Sanchelli, Joseph Nicolas Sanchelli, John Ethan Sanchelli, James Alexander Sanchelli, and great grandchild, Riley Grace Fisher. She is also survived by sisters, Mary Frances Brooks (Charles) and Carolyn Silvester; numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by, her husbands, John Sanchelli (1967) and Harold Benjamin Jayroe (2025); son, James Sanchelli; brothers, Laverne Baker, Raymond Baker, Curtis Baker; and sister, Hazel Soles.

A service celebrating Nellie’s life will be held on Monday, March 30th at 1 o'clock, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia, SC. The family will receive guests prior to the service at the funeral home beginning at noon. A private burial will precede the service in Greenlawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Shandon Baptist Church, in honor of Mrs. Nellie Baker Jayroe.

Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.