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John Keller Obituary
Family-Placed Death Notice
John Lewis Keller passed away on Friday, August 22, 2008. John was the son of Dr. Ben E. Keller, a retired local Tucker oral surgeon of 30 years and Angel Diogo Keller. He was born at DeKalb Medical Center on March 9, 1983. John was active in sports and played soccer at Mountain Park park and was on the Mountain Park swim team. He attended church at Stone Mountain United Methodist Church and was baptized and confirmed there. He grew up on a farm on Old Stone Mountain Rd. in Stone Mountain, GA with his brothers, Ben, Jr. and Michael; nephew, Jonathan Hendrix and niece, Amanda Hendrix. John attended Greater Atlanta Christian School from kindergarten through graduation in 2002. He was on the Atlanta School of Gymnastics team, and in 1998, he won 1st place for the state of Georgia in Level 4. He was diagnosed with Crohns Disease in 1998. John went on to wrestle for the Spartans at Greater Atlanta Christian School and revived the school's pole vaulting team with the hiring of his coach, Cook Holliday and he broke the school's then long-standing record of 12 feet. He then attended Emory's Oxford College. It was there he met his sweetheart, Kathryn Clelia Pezzi. Clelia played on the Emory's women's soccer team and John cheered her on and went with her to Brazil as an assistant coach for the women's soccer team. They both graduated from Emory University and were inseparable. John graduated from Emory in 2007. Clelia and John both have a passion for public health and work for The Center for Disease Control in Atlanta. On July 19, 2008, Clelia and John said pre-marital vows at Forest Hills Resort in Dahlonega, GA, after a 5 year courtship and a very valiant battle with cancer. John is survived by his beloved Clelia of Atlanta; his mother and father, Dr. Ben and Angel Keller of Merritt Island, FL; 2 sisters, Kim Holding of Alpharetta and Paula Boland of Lawrenceville; brothers, Ben Keller Jr. of Lawrenceville and Michael Diogo Keller of Merritt Island, FL; grandparents, Joan and Mike Diogo of Port St. John, FL. John leaves behind many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends that loved him very much and will miss him. His memorial service will be held Wednesday, August 27, 2008 at his beloved Oxford College, Allen Memorial United Methodist Church, at 1PM, with Rev. Judy Shema and Dean Moon presiding. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to John Keller Oxford University Memorial Fund, 100 Hamill Street, Oxford, Georgia 30054. 770-784-8888.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Keller
Mary Pat (Keller) Van Epps
October 7, 2008
Precious Ben, Angel, Clelia, Michael, Paula, Kim, & Ben,Jr.,
Your John was loved so much, and he obviously knew how to give his love to all of you in return. Your lives will always be enriched because John was a part of them, and he will continue to be in your lives every day because God created his soul to live forever in all eternity. Talk to him every day. He will never be forgotten. Remember him and smile...then do something nice for someone else and let that act of kindness be for John.
His mama made a wonderful pot of tear soup, and John will continue to touch lives and hearts for a very long time through her love and her special soup. His daddy will stay close to his son by pouring out his love and grief in his own version of the soup. I hope each of you will take your pain and grow closer to God and to each other because of it. Each one of you will work through all the sadness in your own way, and God will be with you every step of the journey.
I am so grateful for all the wonderful pictures and DVD's. I feel like I have shared such an important person in your lives.
May God give each one of you His perfect love and comfort by wrapping His arms around you and holding you close to His heart.
I love you!!!
Gary Brown
September 30, 2008
Ben and Angel,
I just learned of John's death from Gill Hoover. I am very sorry. Those years in Scouting at GACS were very good years and John's contribution was very great. I pray God's peace as you live with only memories of John. It sounds like he did very well after Scouts.
Karen Hobby
September 29, 2008
Ben and Angel,
I had the privilege of working with John at Gac for 4 years. I remember his spirit as he dealt with his sickness and the determination with which he tackled all areas of his life.
He worked so hard for his accomplishments. I had the pleasure of cheering John on as he did his best. He will be missed. I admired his spirit as he dealt with the life and gifts he ws given.
Martha Jones
September 12, 2008
Angel and Ben,
I loved John and will miss him. He's my shining example as I go through the battle with cancer. His battle and his courage give me the strength and determination to follow his example and fight.
I love you all,
Your friend - Martha
Syneca Featherstone
September 12, 2008
Angel and Ben,
I wish I had words that would ease your pain, yet I know that no such words exist. Instead, I will place John where he belongs, in a place of honor, a hero who should be remembered. John was a person who faced hardship most of his life and battled it with courage, grace and determination. A man who instead of losing touch with his humanity and succumbing to bitterness, stood as a shining example of the best in man - someone with the ability to give of himself, to love with his whole heart and to never give up. He will be remembered and missed, but will go on in so many hearts and minds as a standard we all should aspire to live up to.
My love to you and all your family,
Syn
Ruth & Jim Richards
August 27, 2008
Ben & Angel:
We are so sorry to learn of the loss of your son. We were wondering where you moved to since you sold your house near us.
We think fondly of you and miss you as a neighbor and member of Stone Mountain First Methodist Church. May God give you peace in your loss.
Jeffrey Carroll
August 27, 2008
To the Keller family,
Words can not explain how I feel and I can only imagine how hard this must be for all of you. I am greatly sorry and my love goes out to all of you.
John was the best person I ever got a chance to know, he tought me alot, and I am thankful for knowing him and the friend he was to me. We had many good times together and life lessons that will live forever.
To Clelia,
I would like you to know, that in the short period times that we got to know each other, I know that John loved you very much and would have done anything in the world for you. I am extremely thankful he had someone like you in his life.
If anyone would like to call, to talk about the good times please do so.. (416) 473 - 0885.
love you john.
Cook Holliday
August 27, 2008
Angel and Ben,
As you know, John was one of my favorites, and I'll never forget him. I'll always cherish the time we spent together at the pole vault pit. He had a burning passion to excel. Not only was John an extremely hard worker and good athlete, John had such a good attitude about life, with that ever present smile.
You and your family are in my prayers.
Debbie Carroll
August 27, 2008
As a mother my heart is broken for his family. My tears are of dis-belief. What a great friend he was to my son Jeff Carroll, they were in gymnastics for years and even after Jeff quit they remained very close friends. John was an inspiration to all and excelled in everything he was interested in. I feel that John lived his life to the fullest which most people never get a chance to do. But what a pleasure to have known and loved him for who he was. We loved John and he will live on forever in our hearts. Stu, Debbie, Alan and his friend Jeff Carroll. He'll neve be forgotten. Ben and Angel you have much to be proud of.
Isabelle ( Izzie) Cledaras
August 26, 2008
Dr. Keller and Angel, Paula, Kim, Ben Jr. Michael.. I am so truly sorry to hear about your loss. There isn't ever enough words to say during this time in your life, but I can tell you that we had plenty of good memories,and will always remember you and your family..My sympathy to you all and love always..
Richard Eyler
August 26, 2008
John Keller always knew how to make you laugh.
He shared his heart of gold with all the people around him, and asked nothing in return. I was very fond of John and am deeply saddened by this loss.
I want to let you know that I will always hold him close to my heart as a person that I look up to and aspire to be like.
Thank you for sharing John with all those that were graced by his presence.
Sincerely,
Kathy Major
August 26, 2008
Dear Clelia,
It was a great honor in helping you and your family put together a beautiful wedding for John. Seeing him playing the drums and dancing with his nieces will always be in my memory. Our prayers go out to you, your family and John's.
Sincerely,
Kathy Major ~ Forrest Hills Resort
Matthew Hepler
August 26, 2008
To Clelia and the entire Keller Family: My heart aches for the loss of John. He was truly the most wonderful individual I have ever met, and the best friend I will ever have. He is, and will always be deeply missed. Clelia, words will never be able to capture how amazing you were to John throughout all of the constant health struggles. Thank you for always being there for him, you are the strongest person I have ever known. Ben and Angel, and everyone else mourning this tragic loss; my thoughts, prayers, and tears are with you all.
Wanda and Ken Chastain
August 26, 2008
To the Keller Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you celebrate the life of John. May God comfort, strenghten, and guide you through the days to come.
Vickie Malone
August 26, 2008
Ben and Angel-
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your Son. Just know my thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time.
Sincere Regards, Vickie Malone
Brenda Brown
August 26, 2008
Dr. Ben, Angel and Family,
May God bring peace and comfort to your family in this loss, We know that God has a plan for each of His Children. As Christians our goal is to be with God, John just made it there before us! John's mission on this earth will continue on with the memories that he left with each of us
I was blessed to have been with John at GACS, what an example he showed in his life. God Bless!
Denise Helms
August 26, 2008
To The Keller Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time. May God give you peace in the loss of your beloved son. John Lewis was a pleasure whenever I had the opportunity to work with him at GACS. His memories will continue with all of us. Sincerely,
Steve,Hollie,Matt,Chad Hepler
August 25, 2008
Ben and Angel,
We will always treasure the friendship John and our Matt had, and are grateful for the caring love you gave Matt in your home. Thanks to John sharing Coach Holliday with Chad he developed a true love for pole vaulting. John will live on in our hearts. We love you and will keep you in our prayers.
Pam and John Hunt
August 25, 2008
Dear Angel and Ben
Thoughts of you fill our hearts and our mind as you face this difficult time. Hopefully, the many beautiful memories you have of John will give you strength. You are in our prayers.
PATSY Spelce
August 25, 2008
Dr. Ben Keller and Angel Keller,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. I know that no words will make this easier so just know that I'm praying for you and all the family. Dr. Keller you are very special to me, there will never be another one like you.
Patsy Spelce
Bill Burton
August 25, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers to the Keller family. John was loved as a student and as an athlete at Greater Atlanta Christian. He consistently gave his best effort and displayed a great attitude. The entire GAC community shares your loss.
Stephen Lipson
August 24, 2008
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you. I am honored to have known John.
Bill and Jane Stephens
August 24, 2008
We were so sorry to hear about John. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Joan Buchan
August 24, 2008
Ben and Angel: There are so few words someone can say to comfort you at this time of sorrow. Hold on to all your memories of John because he has given you so many to be proud of. Please except my sincere condolences. Joan Buchan
Paul and Alice Underwood
August 24, 2008
You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God's love comfort you.
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