Estelle Jones Keeling

“…Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing…and when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb….and when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance.” ---The Prophet- Kahil Gibran As death is the gateway into our Creator’s presence, Estelle Jones Keeling was embraced by the arms of her Savior and reunited with her eternal family and beloved friends on Friday, May 23, 2014. Funeral services celebrating the life of Mrs Keeling, 99, are scheduled for Thursday, May 29, 2014 at 2:00 PM at Stewart Family Funeral Home, Tyler, with Dr John H Beard and Rev Ron Moore officiating. Interment will follow in Edom, her birthplace. Our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and dear friend to many, met her Lord, as she lived, with dignity, courage, and peace within her heart. The abundant depth of her Christian principles were readily seen in her love of family and her bountiful gift of friendship for all within her grasp. Her astute wisdom , gentle grace, unselfish loyalty and patient sense of humor were constant sources of encouragement and inspiration. It was her kindness, generosity and sheer love of life which served as her guiding beacon. Conversely, it was her stamina in the throes and shadows of her sorrows which anchored her sensitivity and empathy in helping those in need. Moreover, she touched the lives of so many with her radiant spirit and compassionate words of understanding and encouragement. Always available for her friends, dedicated to her children, adored her grandchildren and beloved extended family, she leaves a legacy of fond and eternal memories with all she embraced. Mrs Keeling was the fifth of seven children born September 29, 1914 to Martin and Lockey Boyd Jones of Edom. She lived throughout her lifetime in loving devotion among her three bothers and three sisters. She was preceded in death by her parents, infant daughter, Hazel Dell Gandy; husband of five years, Wayne Gandy; husband of fifty years, Horace Keeling; grandson, Keith Keeling; granddaughter, Teresa Gandy Leandro; son, Billy James Gandy; step-son, Bill Keelingand and her six cherished siblings, Ava Nell Linthicum, Valley Lee Moore, Inez Robinson, Kernon “KG”Jones, Nolen “Buddy” Jones, and Rev. Bill “WF” Jones . Her zest for life and passionate inspiration will remain in the hearts of her surviving family and multitude of friends. She is survived by her son, Robert Keeling, of Tyler previously of Carrollton; granddaughters, Vicki Olliff and husband David of Whitehouse and Kandis Schernaidre and husband, John of Shreveport. “MeMaw’s” nurturing compassion was eagerly shared among her seven great grandchildren, Lisa Betts, April Aldredge, Chris Smith, Brandy Smith, Gabrielle Leandro, Steve Leandro and Kevin Olliff and her four great-great grandchildren, Trinity Betts, Tori Betts, Christian Smith, and Jackson Aldredge. Mrs. Keeling's infectious smile, optimistic nature, compassion, and sense of humor endeared her to many. Prior to her membership in Westwood Baptist Church, she served as Nursery Coordinator at Calvary Baptist. In addition, Estelle served as the Site Manager for the initial opening of the Garden Valley Senior Nutrition Center. After five years in that leadership capacity, she transferred from the Tyler Meals on Wheels program to the Senior Activity Center in Whitehouse. There she served three years as the Director of Special Programs and Activities. She then retired to become a full time caregiver at home for her beloved husband prior to his death Christmas, 1988. Serving as Pall Bearers: Tom Crawford, C L Gideon, Ken Helm, Jerry Jernigan, Lenny Myers, and Bob Stagner Honorary Pall Bearers: James Cavender, David Beaird MD, Bill Boyd, Mack Boyd, Don Gray, William Hobbs MD, Jerry Johnson, Nolen Jones, Joe Lisbony, Wes Linthicum, Mike Powell, Don Reynolds, Lee Ridenour MD, Terry Thedford and Mark Wyatt. Visitation will be this evening, Wednesday, May 28, 2014 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Stewart Family Funeral Home, Tyler, Texas “ And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”---Revelation 21:4 ---

Estelle Jones Keeling

September 29, 1914 - May 23, 2014