Patricia McLaurin

Patricia Ann Dean Keenum McLaurin, 86, of Alachua, Florida, passed peacefully early Saturday morning, November 8, 2025, after a long and courageous journey with Alzheimer's disease.

Patricia was born on April 14, 1939, in Olive Hill, Kentucky, to Clyde and Stella Dean. A 1956 graduate of Olive Hill High School, she soon moved to Washington, D.C., where she began her career in the secretarial pool for J. Edgar Hoover at the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Her professionalism and attention to detail set the foundation for a lifelong career in legal and executive administration.

She married her first husband, Dale Keenum, with whom she shared many years of adventure during his service in the U.S. Air Force. Together, they lived and traveled extensively around the world; including Taiwan, El Salvador, Iceland, and other posts both in the U.S. and abroad – experiences that deepened her appreciation for other cultures and her abiding curiosity about the world.

After Dale's passing in 1968, Patricia returned to Kentucky, where she continued her career for more than 30 years. In 1969, she married Jesse McLaurin. Although their paths eventually diverged, Patricia's steadfast spirit and deep love for her children guided her through every difficulty. She faced life's trials with remarkable strength and grace, raising her family with integrity, humor, and determination.

Patricia was an avid reader, a lifelong learner, and a deeply spiritual woman who found joy in helping others and in exploring new ideas and beliefs. She treasured time with her children and grandchildren and exemplified compassion, curiosity, and kindness.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Dale Keenum and Jesse McLaurin; her daughter, Debra Walker; her parents, Clyde and Stella Dean; her seven brothers – Cleotis, Levangle, Raginold, Eugene, Kendall, Lloyd, and Clyde (Baby) Dean; and her sister, Ruth Houston.

She is survived by her brother, Terry (Sue) Dean of Olive Hill, KY; her son, Rick (Patty) Keenum of Greenup, KY; her daughters, Goldie (Keith) Cumpton of Pahoa, HI and Diana (Philip) Dodds of Alachua, FL; seven grandchildren – Michael and Mathew Keenum, Jana and John Walker, Andrew, Ethan, and Leela Dodds; and four great-grandchildren – Lilliana Keenum, Noah, Tobi, and Josh Keenum.

A private family gathering will be held at a later date to celebrate her life. A portion of her ashes and a memorial stone will be placed in the Dean Family Cemetery in Olive Hill, Kentucky, where generations of her family rest.

Patricia's family will remember her for her kindness, her willingness to help others, and her unwavering love for her family. Her humor, grace, and curiosity about the mysteries of life and spirit will continue to inspire all who knew her.