Eleanor Martin Keels Malion

Eleanor Martin Keels Malion SUMMERTON - Eleanor Martin Keels Malion, 88, died Monday, June 4, 2012 at her home. Born July 6, 1923 in Sumter, she was a daughter of the late Frank Martin and Vivian Kay Martin. Mrs. Malion grew up attending Grace Baptist Church and graduated from Anderson Junior College. After marrying Gamewell Beasley "G.B." Keels, she moved her membership to Summerton United Methodist Church, where she remained active until her health failed. While raising their four daughters, Eleanor taught private kindergarten in her home educating numerous Summerton children. After her daughters graduated from college, she went to the University of South Carolina to finish her teaching degree. She taught at Head Start, Manning Primary, St. Paul Elementary, and Clarendon Hall. She was past President of the Mental Health Association of Clarendon County. After the death of Mr. Keels, she later married Raymond P. Malion. Mrs. Malion is survived by three of her daughters, Jenny K. Loftis (Steve), of Williamston, Kay K. Falk, of Acworth, GA; and Jackie K. Olsen (Tom) of Sumter; seven grandchildren, Brad Loftis, Ann L. Garrett (Thomas), Todd Falk (Shannon), Nick Falk, Jane Whelchel (Chris), Mary Geddings and Mason Geddings; and five great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her sister, Caroline Martin, her first husband, G. B. Keels, her second husband, Raymond Malion and her daughter, Mary Lynn Keels Witherspoon. Special thanks to her caregivers, Barbara Martin and Deloris Crummell. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. Friday at Summerton United Methodist Church with Rev. Randy Bowers officiating. Burial will be in the Sumter Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Fellowship Hall of Summerton United Methodist Church from 1:30 P. M. until the hour of service on Friday. Memorials may be made to Summerton United Methodist Church, 2 Briggs Avenue, Summerton, SC 29148 and Grace Baptist Church, 219 W. Calhoun Street, Sumter, SC 29150. On-line condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals.com. Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad Street, Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements (803) 775-9386.