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, Viola Keaton; three sons Joseph, James (Sherry), Donald (Jennie); 9 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren; two beloved sisters, Wilma Stokes of Taylorsville, Sue Caldwell of Charlotte; a host nieces and nephews; and special caregivers, Nynika (granddaughter) and Chantese (great-grand daughter.)

She is 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 pm – 8:00 pm at Alexander Funeral Service. Funeral services will be held at Mount Carmel Baptist Church on Friday June, 22 at 3:00 pm. 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, P.O. 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.