Nellie Keown

KEOWN
Mar. 10, 1922-Apr. 8, 2015
Nellie Mae Gray Keown, a native of Theodore, AL and resident of Mobile, AL since 1943 - Nell was a member of Fulton Road Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 64 years, John J. Keown, Sr.; her parents, Robert F. Gray and Susie Tillman Gray; five brothers, Burney, Wallace, Horace, Clyde and Thad; and one sister, Hazel (Raleigh) Seaman. She is survived by her sister, Elena (Lester) Dees; three children, Susie, John, Jr., and Larry Horn; one grandson, Jason Keown; nieces; nephews; other relatives and friends. After working at Brookley Air Force Base during WWII, she retired in 1945 and became a homebody doing things she enjoyed. Her main love was gardening. She was the last Charter Member of the Mobile Daylily Society that was founded in 1956. She and John grew and hybridized Amaryllis and nationally registered several Daylilies. She also enjoyed square dancing, bowling and Folk Art painting-she and John participated in Folk Art Craft Shows for about 10 years. Her uncle, Bob Tillman (her mother's brother) had a store years ago at the intersection of Highway 90 and Old Pascagoula Road when it was still a dirt road. People referred to it back then as Tillman's Corner. Today it is a thriving city, still named after her uncle. Our mother was endlessly curious about all things, sewing, knitting, quilting, pottery, basket weaving, plastic canvas handwork, crocheting. She was particularly talented as a folk art painter. Her main love was always her Amaryllis and Daylilies. She and our Dad served in many official capacities in the Mobile Daylily Society for decades. She received many awards for her gardening skills. She also loved to read and to talk with people. Our mother was gregarious, intelligent, curious, gifted, kind and giving. We know she touched many lives and she will be deeply missed. In her last days she felt her husband's hand was near hers, reaching out and ready to bring her home with him. We will miss her profoundly, and hope she and Daddy are happily together again. The family will receive friends Monday, April 13, 2015 from 12:00 Noon until 2:00 PM at Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home. Graveside services will immediately follow at 2:00 PM. Interment will be in Mobile Memorial Gardens.
Condolences may be offered at www.mobilememorialfunerals.com.

Visitation

Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home
6040 Three-Notch Road
Mobile, AL  36619
Monday, April 13, 2015
12 - 2:00 PM

Service

Graveside Service

Mobile Memorial Gardens
6100 Thre-Notch Road
Mobile, AL  36619
Monday, April 13, 2015
2:00 PM

Cemetery

Mobile Memorial Gardens
6100 Three-Notch Road
Mobile, AL  36619