Jessie Lee Keel

Jessie Lee Keel, born on Sept. 22, 1930 in Paris, Texas, embraced her eternal journey peacefully on June 6, 2024 in Royce City, Texas. She was a beacon of love and wisdom throughout her 93 years, leaving behind a legacy of education, faith and family.

The devoted daughter of the late Jack Taylor and Leona (Castleman) Cooksey, Jessie flourished into a remarkable woman who nurtured a beautiful family of her own. She was the cherished wife of Thomas Keel, whom she wed on March 10, 1947 in DeQueen, Ark. Their love blossomed through the years, and together they raised two loving children: Connie and Tommy Keel, who further blessed Jessie with the joy of her grandchildren: Jessica Stegall, William Keel, Mike Petrie and Daniel Petrie, and many greatgrandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

She worked in the Vidor, Texas, school system, touching the lives of countless students. Jessie’s passion for church education spoke volumes of her devotion to faith, manifesting her love for the Lord by helping others embrace God’s Word. She served as a minister through her brother’s church and loved going to minister at the nursing home. Jessie’s zest for life was evident in her love for swimming and reading, pursuits that enriched her soul and brought great pleasure. Those who knew Jessie will fondly remember her unending desire to enlighten and uplift those around her. The Keel family invites friends and loved ones to honor Jessie’s life at 1 p.m. Thursday, June 20, 2024 at Prater-Lampton-Mills & Coffey Chapel. Family will receive friends beginning at 11 a.m. prior to the service. A burial at Soper will lovingly lay Jessie to rest. All arrangements are entrusted to Prater-Lampton-Mills & Coffey Funeral Home. Jessie’s warmth and guidance will be profoundly missed, yet her spirit will forever resonate in the hearts of those she touched.