06/01/06 - NNHS Newsletter - Jennie Barrow Keesee

 Cora Jeanette Barrow Keesee
(17 Nov 1940 - 29 May 2006)

Newport News High School Class of 1959

Dear Friends and Schoolmates,   

   There is more sad news this morning.

From Pat Beck Letzinger ('57) to the Class of 1957 (via    Joe Madagan - '57 - of FL) - 05/31/06 -
"NNHS Class of '57 - FYI":

As so many of you requested in your prayers,   Nancy Keesee Barr's sister-in-law,   Jeanette "Jennie" Barrow Keesee, made a peaceful life transition on Monday, May 29, 2006.  Visitation will be from 6:30 to 8:00 pm on Thursday at the Peninsula Funeral Homed.  Her funeral will be at the Second Presbyterian Church on Menchville Road at 12:30 pm Friday.  Burial will be in Peninsula Memorial Park.  

  From Joe Madagan ('57) of FL - 05/31/06:

Hi, Carol:

  Mr. Keesee's son,   Tom ('54) has lost his wife,    Jennie ('59).  Nancy Keesee Barr ('57) of TX was with her to the end.
 
Always,
Joe

   Thank you for letting us know, Joe.  I read the abbreviated version of the obituary, and realized there must be a connection, but was unable to draw it from the information provided at that time.

  

From the Daily Press - 06/01/06:

          Jeanette Barrow Keesee
 		  
NEWPORT NEWS - Jeanette 'Jennie' Barrow Keesee went to be with her Heavenly Father on May 29, 2006. She was born November 17, 1940, in Craven County, N.C., and was a life-long resident of Newport News. Jennie was the daughter of Winnie Butler Monfalcone and the late Jodie Barrow. A loving and devoted Christian wife, mother and grandmother, Jennie is survived by her husband of 45 years, Thomas E. Keesee; son and wife, John and Katalin Keesee of Suffolk; daughter and husband, Judy and Rick Major of Newport News; beloved grandchildren, Aaron and Matthew Beauchamp of Suffolk and Samantha Major of Newport News; sister and husband, Joyce and Bill Corey of Mechanicsville; sister-in-law and husband, Nancy and Bob Barr of Texas; step-siblings and spouses, Vincent and Nancy of North Carolina, Carl Monfalcone of Richmond, and Diane and Ray Boyette of Newport News; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A graduate of Newport News High School in 1959, Jennie worked briefly as an information and long distance telephone operator before staying at home to raise her two children. After returning to the workforce, she served in the Newport News Circuit Court for 21 years and retired in 2003. Jennie was an active member of Second Presbyterian Church, Newport News, where she served as a Deacon and Circle member. For her contributions Jennie was awarded an Honorary Life Membership by the national Presbyterian Women of the Church in 2005. Jennie died at home 2½ years after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She remained gracious, thankful, uncomplaining and cheerful throughout the ordeal, even in her final days. Her disposition and character remain a testament to her faith in God and her desire for God to live in and through her. Jennie will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. We thank family, friends and especially Hospice for their loving support. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in memory of Jennie Keesee to the Second Presbyterian Church or to the American Cancer Society. The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 1st at Peninsula Funeral Home. A funeral service will be conducted at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, June 2nd in the Second Presbyterian Church, 201 Menchville Road, with The Rev. George H. Murray officiating, assisted by The Rev. Bill Corey. Burial will follow in Peninsula Memorial Park.

Published in the Daily Press on 6/1/2006.
Guest Book
 
Jennie Barrow
 
 
 
Jennie was a devoted and loving wife and mother, and will be missed by all who knew her. Our thoughts and prayers are with her husband and family at this time. We wish them care and comfort throughout their period of grief.
Grover and Pat Carawan (Tarpon Springs, FL ) - May 31, 2006
 
 
Jennie will be sorely missed for her gentle ways. As a co-worker of hers for years I was blessed to have such a nice person to help me at lunches and to chat with. She was always kind and a wonderful example to all. My sympathy and heartfelt prayers go to her family.
Ann Prevette (Newport News, VA ) - May 31, 2006
 
 
Jennie was one of those truly unique people who always had a kind word for everyone and a smile on her face no matter how difficult the situation.
Dennis and Sheila Fritts (Roanoke, VA ) - May 31, 2006
 
 
Jenny was such a sweet and loving person that you were uplifted just being around her. Our deepest sympathies are with you all. God bless and keep you.
Frank and Carol Clements (Newport News, VA ) - May 31, 2006
 
 
Sorry to hear about Jennie, I had the pleasure of working with her when she was at the circuit court. She was a very outgoing lady and very personal, and kind and helpful. Will miss her.
Donna Smith, Newport News
Donna Smith (Newport News, VA ) - June 1, 2006
 
 
Jenny was a true and caring friend and co-worker...She will be greatly missed.
Melanie (Taylor) Bunch (Lynchburg, VA ) - June 1, 2006
 
 
Tom, John and Judy – it breaks our heart that Mary Ann & I are not there with you at this difficult time. We know what you are going through now, and can only offer our deepest sympathy. You all will be in our constant thoughts & prayers over the course of the next couple of days - praying that in His kindness, He will grant you comfort in your time of sorrow.
Bob & Mary Ann Major (Bloomington, IN ) - June 1, 2006
 
 
 
 
 

   Our sincerest sympathies are extended to her entire family and all her many friends.

   This page is also linked here:

memoriam-all.html

     memoriam59.html

  Y'all take good care of each other!  TYPHOONS FOREVER!

                          Love to all, Carol

==============================================

NNHS CLASS OF '65 WEB SITE: http://www.nnhs65.00freehost.com

PERSONAL WEB SITE: http://www.angelfire.com/weird2/cluckmeat

==============================================

Abide with Me

Words by Henry F. Lyte, 1847
Music by William H. Monk, 1861
 

Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me.

Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day;
Earth's joys grow dim; its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see;
O Thou who changest not, abide with me.

Not a brief glance I beg, a passing word,
But as Thou dwell'st with Thy disciples, Lord,
Familiar, condescending, patient, free.
Come not to sojourn, but abide with me.

Come not in terrors, as the King of kings,
But kind and good, with healing in Thy wings;
Tears for all woes, a heart for every plea.
Come, Friend of sinners, thus abide with me.

Thou on my head in early youth didst smile,
And though rebellious and perverse meanwhile,
Thou hast not left me, oft as I left Thee.
On to the close, O Lord, abide with me.

I need Thy presence every passing hour.
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter's power?
Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.

I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless;
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness.
Where is death's sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.

Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.
Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.

"Abide with Me" midi courtesy of http://www.mommydearest.com/midi.html - 06/01/06

"Abide with Me" lyrics and available history courtesy of http://synergy_2.tripod.com/lyrics/abide.html - 06/01/06

Blackwork Flowers Divider Line clip art courtesy of http://www.bravenet.com - 08/12/04

Greg Olsen Paintings courtesy of http://gregolsengallery.com – 03/15/05

Back to NNHS Newsletters - 2006

Return to NNHS Class of 1965