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Cecil Keith Obituary
August 21, 2022
Our beloved Cecil Keith, known to many as "Honey," passed away peacefully in the arms of her husband of 66 years, on Sunday, August 21, 2022. She was the loving wife of Spurgeon C. Keith, Jr. and mother of Dr. S. Carter Keith III and Kathleen Oddo. She is survived by her husband, son and daughter, Carter's wife, Maureen Keith, Kathleen's husband, Kevin Oddo, and by her grandchildren, David Keith, Christopher Keith and his wife, Jessy, Lauren Oddo and her fiancé, Travis Cuddy, and Keith Oddo.
Cecil was born in Tallahassee, Florida on October 7, 1933 to Maymie and Cecil Gatlin. She was predeceased by her parents and by her sisters, Elizabeth Culley and Mary Charles Leverette.
Cecil graduated from Florida State University, and received her Masters plus 30 hours from the University of Michigan. She was a popular and talented teacher for more than 40 years, culminating in a six-year tenure as Department Chairman of Social Studies at Grosse Pointe North High School in Michigan where she also taught five sections of U.S. Advanced Placement History.
Cecil and Spurgeon met through family ties, when she was 15 and he was 16. They engaged in a long-distance romance (he lived in Birmingham) until they married on March 30, 1956 while he was completing his Aeronautical Engineering degree from Georgia Tech. Theirs was a love match made in heaven. After retiring in 1999, they moved to Roanoke to be near family. Cecil and Spurgeon enjoyed extensive travel abroad and in the States. She was an avid reader and an accomplished pianist. Honey loved her grandchildren and they loved her. Cecil lived her life with great joy and an endless capacity of love for all. She will be desperately missed by many, and especially by her family.
Funeral services will be held Friday, August 26, 2022 at 1 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 1101 Franklin Rd., Roanoke, Virginia, officiated by The Very Rev. Alexander MacPhail. Online participation will be available at: tinyurl.com/CecilKeith. Arrangements and on-line condolences are provided by Lotz Funeral Home. A private interment will be held at Sherwood Memorial Park, Salem. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Cecil's honor to Christ Episcopal Church's lighting fund.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Cecil Keith
Sponsored by Lotz Funeral Home & Crematory - Salem.
Linda Jones
August 18, 2024
Keeping you and your family lifted up in prayer! My thoughts are with you all during this difficult time! May the Lord give you the comfort, strength and peace you need to get through this difficult time! Love you!
Meghan Welsh
October 9, 2022
Mrs. Keith was my A.P. US History teacher at Grosse Pointe North for the `93/`94 school year. I met some of my lifelong friends in that class. I shared the sad news of her passing with them recently and all of us shared fond memories of her. One asked if anyone had a horn to honk on her honor (a trademark in her classroom) and quoted her memorable, "Get on the bus!" line. My sincere condolences to her husband and family. She lived a long and impactful life.
Kathy Fitzgerald
September 4, 2022
This makes Me so sad. The many times We shared every week when I did Her hair. She made Me read War and Peace and then quizzed me weekly.lol ..Her final exam to Her advanced students where for them to question Her. What a vault. She and Spurgon were the couple people could only aspire to be ,Love, friendship and respect. I will truly Miss Our Christmas cards, catch up's and Her loverly soul.
TERRI STEIMER
September 4, 2022
To the Keith family,
Cecil was one of the most memorable teachers that Grosse Pointe North High School has ever known. She was my friend, confidant, and mentor for many years. Because of Cecil, I was hired as a teacher and followed in her footsteps as a Department Chair of Social Studies for 17 years. I still hear her name on occasion, as I frequently run into past students of hers. She was truly a lovely, talented, and gifted woman----we will NEVER forget Cecil Keith in Grosse Pointe, MI, that is for sure. Rest in peace, Cecil.
Kaija Slaukstins-Byrkit
August 31, 2022
My deepest condolences for your loss. May happy memories be of comfort to you.
Scott Smith
August 30, 2022
What a loss to everyone who knew her, Cecil always had a smile and kind words and was the epitome of a Southern Lady. Condolences to her wonderful family that meant so much to her.
Sharon Royal
August 29, 2022
Hello Kathleen, I'm sorry to hear about your loss. Wishing the entire family comfort, strength and love during this time. May God continue to fill your hearts with joy and peace.
Ellen Zotti
August 26, 2022
Honey always had a smile to share and I really enjoyed seeing her when I visited and always made me feel special. She especially loved her family and was always so proud of each one of you. The emptiness you all feel is deep, raw and real but I have not doubt she is in heaven with God earning her eternal reward. May the peace of Jesus Christ comfort you all during this time.
Ellen, Paul, Christopher, Matthew and Joanna
Kevin Pearson
August 26, 2022
Kathleen, Kevin, Lauren, and Keith, I am so sorry to learn of your loss. My condolences to each of you and to the rest of your family. I wish you the comfort of all your wonderful memories.
Aileen, Tom, Madeline and Luke Florio
August 26, 2022
This world is a more beautiful place because Honey was in it. Honey was dignity, grace, joy, and poise personified. Your lives will forever bear the mark of the love she had for her family and the passion she had for life. May your many memories of time spent together carry you through these difficult days, and may your faith heal your broken hearts knowing she is, at this very moment, at home with God in Heaven, where He promises to wipe away every tear and where there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain. He has prepared a beautiful place just for Honey, and you will see her again one day with God in Paradise.
Jason Greenwood
August 26, 2022
Kathleen, no doubt many of your amazing attributes and your excellent leadership had their foundation in the life of Honey Keith. A life well-lived. Please accept our condolences and prayers for the peace of your entire family as you walk through this difficult time and simultaneously celebrate your Mom's life and influence. The Greenwoods.
Alan and Tina O'Hara/ Blue Mountain Gems
August 25, 2022
Spurgeon, family and friends. Our deepest condolences for your loss. To have known Cecil and to have been witness to the love that was shared was an inspiration.
Jerry Weil
August 25, 2022
I have nothing but fond memories of Spurgeon and Cecil. They set the example for kindness and living a good life. Cecil was a favorite of Eddie as they both had red hair and genuinely enjoyed each other as cousins. Two of my daughters carry on the red hair tradition. I remember the many card games we would enjoy at the beach. It is understandable to mourn Cecil's passing, but we should also celebrate her life as she had an extraordinarily wonderful life and a terrific family. God bless.
Douglas E Oldmixon
August 25, 2022
Warm memories of this vivacious lady, both smart and caring! We were so blessed to have had her as a teacher at Holy Redeemer College Prep in LaCombe LA in 1975 & 1976. Offering prayers for Divine consolation for your family.
Kelly Burns
August 25, 2022
Sharing in sadness with those who knew and loved Cecil, especially the Kathleen Oddo family. I hope all feel surrounded by love as you celebrate the life of a truly remarkable woman.
Mary Jo Becker
August 24, 2022
Heartfelt sympathy. No doubt she was a beautiful angel. To have a family (Carter and Maureen) speaks volumes about what a wonderful person she was. Hoping her memory brings many smiles and happy times to heart
Susan Kirby
August 24, 2022
Spurgeon, I´m so sad to to learn of your dear Cecil´s passing. She always brought such a warm smile to bridge and seemed to brighten the day for all around her. I am thinking of you and your family in your sorrow.
Molly LaMontagne
August 24, 2022
Kathleen,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and your entire family during the difficult time.
Doris Fox (Mountain View Recreation Ctr)
August 24, 2022
Spurgeon, my deepest condolences to you and your family. Cecil is one of the sweetest ladies I have ever had the privilege of knowing. These past couple of years I have missed her presence here at Mountain View and the hug she always gave me. She is missed dearly. May God give you and your family comfort in the coming days.
Sonya D. Bradley
August 24, 2022
Kathleen, you have my deepest condolence. Wishing you and your family strength in these difficult days and hoping that with time, peace will heal and comfort your hearts.
Connie Azar
August 24, 2022
Kathleen,
Thinking about you and your family during this difficult time. I am so sorry for your loss.
Meka Alexander
August 24, 2022
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family K.O. Sending Hugz.
Darlene Cunningham
August 24, 2022
"Those we Love don't go away, they walk beside us everyday" My sincere condolences Kathleen to you, your Dad and your family on the loss of your Mother. You all now know an Angel you can call by name.
Lisa Higgitt
August 24, 2022
Kathleen, I extend my deepest sympathies to you and your family and pray that God will comfort you. May the memories of the good times comfort you in the midst of your grief.
KMR and Family
August 24, 2022
Kathleen, sending you lots of love during this difficult time. You, and your family, are in our prayers.
Megan Boswell
August 24, 2022
Kathleen - my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time. I know how the loss of your mother leaves a hole in your heart and I pray that each day gets easier.
Tabatha Williams & Family
August 24, 2022
If you could see me now you wouldn´t shed a tear.
Though you may not understand why I´m no longer there.
Remember my spirit that is the real me because I´m still very
Much alive, I´ve just been set free, Oh, if you could only see!
I have beheld our Father´s face and I´ve touched my Savior´s
Hand. All of Heaven´s angels rejoiced as I entered the promised Land. Beyond the gates of pearl I´ve walked on the golden streets.
I´ve touched the walls of jasper and dipped my foot in the
Crystal sea. The beauty is beyond words and nothing could
Compare, I´ve even seen your mansion and someday
I´ll meet you there. Let Jesus be your guide because
His Word will show you the way! So please don´t
Cry because we will meet again someday.
-Author: Patsy Stambaugh Deskins
Tracey Echols
August 24, 2022
Losing your mom is so life changing. She's your pal, your confidant, the person who puts your feet back on the ground, your phone partner, your shopping buddy, etc. Keep that wisdom and those memories always. You can never learn what she has taught you in school. Praying for you and your family's strength to pull you through. Keep her alive!
Cat Wiley
August 24, 2022
My deepest sympathies to you and your family during this difficult time. I know that Families are Forever and you will be with her again.
Joyce Sullivan
August 24, 2022
While nothing can fill the void created by the loss of your dear Mother, may fond memories bring you and your family comfort during this painful time. You have my sincerest sympathy for your loss.
Lisa Dooley
August 24, 2022
Kathleen, my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. May God bless you and your family.
ROBERT AND SARA DOW
August 24, 2022
WE ARE SO TERRIBLY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. 66 YEARS OF WONDERFUL MEMORIES WILL BRING GREAT COMFORT TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
Linda Jones
August 24, 2022
I pray God's strength for the family during this difficult time! I am keeping them all lifted up in pray! May God wrap His loving arms of comfort around each of you!
Ashley Lucas
August 24, 2022
Kathleen, I see where you get your beautiful smile . Words can not express how sorry I am for your loss. May God comfort you and your family at this time. My family will be praying for you all.
Showing 1 - 34 of 34 results
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