Barbara Ann Keener

Barbara Ann Keener, 87, affectionately known as "Aunt Barbara", was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on March 21, 2025 in Maggie Valley, North Carolina. Barbara was born September 23, 1937 in the Scotts Creek Township Community of Jackson County, NC and grew up in Waynesville. In her teens Barbara could often be found working with her mother at The Open Air Curb Market or for her sister Peggy at The Strand Theater on Main Street in Waynesville.
Barbara was a graduate of Waynesville Township High School and moved to Michigan shortly after to seek work and then resided in Buffalo, NY for over sixty years before returning to her hometown in 2021.
Upon her retirement Barbara loved to cheer for her favorite team, the Buffalo Bills and had season tickets for over twenty years. Barbara loved to travel back to her hometown of Waynesville a couple of times a year to spoil her family, see old friends, and enjoy the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina. Barbara enjoyed volunteering for her church community, playing golf, bowling, visiting restaurants and casinos. Upon her return, Barbara resided at Maggie Valley Nursing and Rehab where she was affectionately known and loved as 'the sucker lady', because of her fondness for Dum Dums suckers. The staff also allowed her to work alongside them as she performed many tasks under their guidance in and out of all the offices.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Abraham and Berdell Cope Keener; five brothers, Lyman, Cliff, Clyde, Bob, and Jim Keener; three sisters, Dot Butcher, Peggy Johnson, Brenda Galloway and dear friend Marianne Dieter. She is survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews and her dear nieces Angie Medford, Diana Cabe, Debbie Ezell, and Lisa McCurry.
A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Smoky Mountain Cremation and Funeral Services.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Maggie Valley Nursing and Rehab, 75 Fisher Loop, Maggie Valley, NC 28751, to honor the compassionate care, love, and laughter she received from their staff, who became an extension of her family.