Lou Keith

Lou Effie Keith, age 81 was born August 13, 1937, in Talladega, AL and she transitioned into eternity on, November 18, 2018, in Columbus, Ohio. Lou lived with and overcame  many health issues, throughout her life, until she eventually succumbed to her lengthy illness. As a young woman, she joined First Ebenezer Baptist Church at an early age, in Birmingham, Alabama, and then joined So Help Me God Church of Christ in Columbus, Ohio. Lou was a student of A.H. Parker High School in Birmingham. During High School, she helped her beautiful, hard-working Mother to help care for her younger siblings. After High School, Lou began her family and married the love of her life, Joe H. Keith in Birmingham, Alabama on November 26, 1960 (58 years ago). After beginning their family, they relocated to Columbus, Ohio in search of better opportunities.

Mrs. Keith expanded upon her knowledge and received Certifications from the Red Cross, Culinary School and studied coursework in rudimentary Dietary Aide principles. She was employed by The Blue Cross & Blue Shield Company, then she accepted employment at an Assisted Living facility where she prepared meals and assisted the Dietary department..

However, Lou only worked outside of the home for a few years, as her pride and joy were her Husband and her Children and she was a Domestic Engineer Extraordinaire that also enjoyed visits and coversing wtih friends and family on a regular basis, as she often reminised about by gone years, her childhood, her Mother, family and the  daily events of her life. Being in her presence was like enjoying the sunshine afte the rain.

Mrs. Keith was preceded in death by her Husband Joe H. Keith. Parents: Otis Jones and Willie Mae McAlpine Jones Garrett Ross of Birmingham, AL. Mother-in-Law, Lucille Sherman Keith of Talladega, AL. Brother-in-Laws: Moses Hampton and Pluma Keith of New York, NY and her Sister-in-Law Winnie Esther Keith, Talladega, AL. Grandchildren: Anthony S.Cox II, Natasha Keith, Tyann Lindsey and Shawn “Pooh Bear” Keith, all of Cols, OH. Special Cousin: Lillie Mae Turner, Talladega, AL.

Left to cherish her memory, Sons: Richard (Crystal) Jones, Jeff (Cindy) Keith, and Darryl (Dionne Foster) Keith, Stepson: Marvin (Ms.Ray) Moten. Daughters: Brenda (Carl) Nelson, Birmingham, AL, First Lady Timilion (Pastor Tyrone) Lindsey, Minister Quintina (Larry) Stewart, Stephanie Keith-Dent, all of Cols, OH. Stepdaughter: Tracy Garrett, Talladega, AL. Brothers: Bobby (Ann) Jones, Flernard McAlpine, Sr., Nelson Garrett, and Dr.Henry H.( Dr.Ilse R.) Ross. Sisters: Lovely (Eddie) Green, Synetta (Joseph) Garrett-Allen, Cassandra (Kenney) Davis. Brother-in-Law: Billy James (Gloria) Keith,Talladega, AL. 18 Grandchildren, 31 Great Grandchildren. Special Family Friend: Sonny Townsend and a host of family and friends.

Subsequently, the true essence of the woman in Mrs. Lou E. Keith can be summed up easily, in that she was a loving, witty, humorous and hard-working Wife and Mother who doted on her children, but not only her own children. She opened her door to help raise the children of her family members and friends, several times, when the need arose; Lou often stated, “that it takes a village…” and although she was just one person, to many other people, she was their world, when she lent a helping hand to do her part in the village. Lou cared for not only her family, but all those in need that were within the scope of her reach, without expecting anything in return. This was the true essence of the wonderful and giving individual that she was and her legacy will live on through lesson of “giving & helping” others was taught to her children and her children’s children, as the in the way she lived her life to the very end. Lou’s legacy and kindness will always be remembered and she will truly be missed by all who loved her encountered her meek and gentle spirit.

Visitation 10:00am and Home Going Service 11:00am Saturday December 1, 2018 at MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE NORTH 2500 Cleveland Ave.

Interment at Forestlawn memorial gardens