Obituary

Known as judy, mom and nana, and loved by all, judy passed away on saturday may 20, 2017, surrounded by her family, after fighting a courageous battle to continue her life. Her body was tired and broken down, but her spirit for life remained strong. She is now in her glory. She is no longer tired or in pain. She is with the lord, having earned a room and the glory she has richly deserved.

Judy was born june 21, 1936, to hendley and sue blackmon and grew up in wilkinsburg, pa. In 1956, she met george keller, the love of her life, and was married two years later. Their nearly 59 years of marriage has been a model to all who have met them, knowing that the way to true love and happiness comes through waking every day trying to make the other’s day the best it can be.

Judy is preceded in death by her parents and her brother, jack blackmon.

Left to share and rejoice in her memories are her husband dr. George keller ii; sons, dr. George (cindy) keller iii and perry (alanna) keller; daughters, karen (tim) holbrook and amy keller. She also left seven grandchildren: michael (hannah) bays , kristen bays, keith holbrook, laura holbrook, george keller iv, sam keller and ellie slack; and three great-grandchildren, amelia bays, arlo bays and oma bays.

She enjoyed many travels with her husband and family all over the world, including china, australia, new zealand, germany, italy, england, scotland, switzerland, austria and bermuda, but her favorite place to vacation was with her family at capon springs, w.Va. Judy took every opportunity to play bridge with friends and loved the social interactions. Overall, her favorite place to be was wherever family and friends were.

Judy loved her church, first presbyterian church, and was active in just about all areas of its many ministries. She was the first director of community ministries, having been responsible for the start-up of over 30 different area mission programs in the kanawha valley. She sang in the choir for over 40 years, served as an elder, was a commissioned lay preacher, served on numerous committees, was a delegate to the general assembly when the north and south branches of the presbyterian denomination joined to become the united presbyterian church (usa), was a beloved teacher, member and office holder of p.E.O., and was named an honorary life member of the presbyterian women of the church.

The family will receive visitors in the sanctuary of first presbyterian church, charleston, w.Va., from 4 to 6 p.M. On wednesday, may 24. Her memorial service will immediately follow in the sanctuary.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations made to the first presbyterian church, charleston, in  her memory.