Cecilia Rae Keeney, 75, of Fairfield, passed away Feb. 5, 2024, in Palestine.
She was born June 3, 1948, in Italy, Texas, to Wilbur Webster Wright and Johnnie Lois Love Chambers Wright. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church where she played the organ over the years along with playing at Round Prairie Baptist Church.
Cecilia had many things that she enjoyed doing including, sewing, gardening, canning, baking and traveling when her health allowed. She also liked to play cards especially Shanghai.
Miss Cece and Aunt Bear as she was known by many, help care for many children in Freestone County when she owned Keeney Kid Kennels and Little Bears Den from 1980 until her retirement in 1992. After her retirement she enjoyed spending time and taking care of her grandchildren.
Over the years she was a substitute teacher for Fairfield schools and also umpired little league baseball and softball games. Above all of the things she was active in spending time with her family was her favorite.
She was a loving wife, mom and Nana that will be greatly missed. She is preceded in death by her parents, brother Wesley Wright, sister Darlyene Billings, brother-in-law Roy Daniel, nephews, Trey Daniel and Shane Daniel, close friend Yvonne Johnstone.
She is survived by her husband, Phillip Keeney, children, Tracy Mitchell and ex-husband Jimmy Mitchell, Gena Aultman and husband John David, Wesley Keeney and wife Jeanie. Sisters Dee Jo and husband Jimmie Lee, Kathy and Jimmy Self. Grandchildren, James Mitchell, Kayla Mitchell, Jonathon and Brewana Richmond, Connor and Olivia Aultman, Avery and Marilyn Aultman, Trenity Keeney, Austin Keeney, Brailey Keeney. Great grandchildren, Carson Aultman, Carter Richmond, Declan Richmond, Ainsley Aultman. Numerous nieces, nephews an extended family.
Visitation was 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024, at Calvary Baptist Church. Funeral service was at 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, at Calvary Baptist Church with Johnny Johnstone and Bro. Terry Skinner officiating.
Burial followed at Lake Chapel Cemetery. Pallbearers will be James Mitchell, Jonathon Richmond, Connor Aultman, Avery Aultman, Trenity Kenney, Austin Keeney. Honorary pallbearers were great nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Kidney Fund.