Teah Cecelia Smith Keene

Tea Cecelia Smith Keene

Mrs. Teah Cecelia Smith Keene, 68, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2022, in Johnson City, Tenn., surrounded by her husband and two children.

Teah was born to Artemis and Bessie Pearl Cumbie Smith in Richlands, Va. She was the youngest of five children, with her siblings ranging 11-20 years older than she. Teah was a State Thespian champion, a gymnast, and a lifeguard prior to graduating from Richlands High School in 1971.

While preparing to enter Georgia Tech in August 1971, Teah was set up on a blind date with the soon-to- be love of her life, Ronnie. It was love at first sight, engaged in three weeks and married in three months. Over the years, Ron and Teah made their home of the Claypool Hill area of Richlands. They raised their two children there, Rhonda and Tim.

Teah used her gifts and talents by being a friend to all she met, singing many solos and participating in church choir, decorating displays for a major department store, being a long-term substitute for Tazewell County Public Schools, and eventually, being a well-loved Nana to her 6 grandchildren.

Teah and Ron moved to Bristol, Tenn., in 2004, where they resided until July, 2021. While there, they attended Highlands Fellowship, located in Bristol, Va. Since then, they have both resided at Brookdale Senior Living in Johnson City, Tenn.

Teah was looking forward to hearing her Lord say, "Well done thy good and faithful servant…come and share your master's happiness." (Matthew 25:21, 23)

In addition to her parents, Teah was preceded in death by one sister, Shirley Smith Setliffe, and two brothers, Harold R. Smith and Leilani Smith.

Survivors include her husband of fifty years, Ronald Lee Keene; one daughter, Rhonda (Keene) Forlow and her husband, the Rev. Brad Forlow of Barre, Vt.; one son, Timothy Keene and his wife, Jessica Keene, of Rogersville, Tenn.; one sister, Barbara Ketron; six grandchildren, Lauren, Rachel, and Ian Forlow; Haley, Sam and Gracie Keene; and several nieces and nephews.

The family of Mrs. Teah Keene received extended family and friends from 11 a.m. until 12 p.m. Thursday, July 7, 2022, at Tetrick Funeral Services. The funeral service followed at 12 PM with the Rev. Dr. Brad Forlow officiating. The graveside committal service followed at 2 p.m. in the Mountain Home National Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Sam Keene, Ian Forlow, John Ketron, Kenny Condra, Greg Smith, and Jeff Boyd. Minister, family and friends were requested to meet at the cemetery by 1:50 p.m. Thursday.

The family requests that in lieu of food or gifts, memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer's Association (act.alz.org).

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.tetrickfuneralhome.com. Tetrick Funeral Services, 3001 Peoples Street Johnson City, TN 37604, (423-610-7171) is honored to serve the Keene Family.