Laura Nell Keaton
Laura Nell Keaton
Laura Nell’s work here is done. On Friday, June 15, 2018, she received a call, the sort of call she couldn’t refuse. It was a call for an appointment from which she will not be returning. This appointment comes with an incredible benefit – a reunion with family and friends, some of which she has not seen in a very long time. She is finally able to take her seat in the cabin in the corner of Gloryland where she can write her poetry and sing to her heart’s content. She leaves us with so many gifts, especially a guide for living a gracious life led in prayer and forgiveness. Her presence will be deeply missed.
Laura Nell Keaton was born on January 26, 1934, daughter of the late Theodore and Ollie Newland. She was valedictorian of the 1951 graduating class at Happy Plains High School. She was a lifelong member of Mount Carmel Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday school and sang in the choir. She was church secretary and part of the usher board.
Laura Nell is survived by three daughters, Debra Mayes, Lisa (Jesse) Brown, and Viola Keaton; three sons, Joseph, James (Sherri), and Donald (Jennie); nine grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; two beloved sisters, Wilma Stokes of Taylorsville, and Sue Caldwell of Charlotte; a host of nieces and nephews; and special caregivers, Nynika (granddaughter) and Chantese (great-granddaughter).
She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth; daughter, Leslie Newland; and sister, Berdene Kelly.
A wake will be held on Thursday, June 21, 2018, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., at Alexander Funeral Service. Funeral services will be held at Mount Carmel Baptist Church on Friday June, 22 at 3:00 p.m. Burial will take place at Mount Carmel Cemetery. The body will lie-in-state 30 minutes prior to the service.
Serving as Pallbearers will be Bruce Newland, Randall Brown, Chris Dodd, Brad Dodd, Keena Wellman, Ken Bennett, Stephen Keaton, and Josh Keaton.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to Mount Carmel Baptist Church, PO Box 456, Taylorsville, NC 28681.
The family would like to thank Valley Nursing Home for their care of Laura, as well as Fresenius Kidney Care of Alexander County, in Taylorsville.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Alexander Funeral and Cremation Service.
Condolences may be sent to www.alexfuneralservice.com.
Mrs. Keaton was a good lady,
It’s “bitter-sweet” to find out she is gone home to be with the Lord. My family will be praying for her family, we will see her in glory by the grace of God.
With Sympathy,
Eric and Dominica Hayes
Our thoughts and prayers forare you at this difficult time,Mrs Laura was an inspiration to us.
May you find comfort in knowing she touched so many lives.
Be strong and always remember your loss is truly a gain for heaven. I must say if we as adults live have we will turn out to be strong. My heart is heavy as yours. She was so nice to me. God bless you all. Wanda Saner
I just learned of Mrs. Laura Nell’s passing. I really liked her. She was always so kind to me. May she rest in Paradise. May all those whom she left behind be encouraged in the promises of the Messiah.