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BORN
1933
DIED
2024
Jo Keckley Obituary
April 28, 1933 - July 24, 2024
Jo Ann (Hall) Keckley, 91, of Richmond, VA. stepped into God's Glory on July 24, 2024. She was born April 28, 1933, in LaFollette TN., the daughter of the late Oda (Duncan)Hall and Shirley M. Hall.
Jo Ann married George R. Thornton Sr. on March 13, 1948, in Pulaski, VA. Jo Ann was preceded in death by her husbands, George R. Thornton Sr., father of her 6 children; Charles Deuterman, after a marriage of 34 years; and her recent late husband William Keckley of Longs, S.C; her sister Ruby Jane Young; brothers Bill, Calvin, and Shirley Hall, Jr.; her granddaughter Lynn Bogdahn; and her son George R. Thornton, Jr. (Bucky). She is survived by her 5 daughters Shirley T. Seibert(John), Dianna T. Morlock(Dieter), Rose Mary T. Comstock, Connie T. Mills(Larry), and Deborah Thornton; 14 Grandchildren; 33 Great Grandchildren; her Brothers Jimmy(Susan), Ronald(Lynn), and David Hall; Brother in Love, David Young; and an abundance of nieces and nephews.
Her family remembers her handcrafted quilts and crocheted blankets, her love of playing card games, baking and cooking for family gatherings, gardening, watching baseball and her very special connections with animals. Later in life, she suffered from Alzheimer's disease and poor eyesight. Despite her ailing mind and body, she never lost her independent and head-strong spirit. And, while she could no longer recall names, she always recognized her family's love. She would hold the hands of her daughters, lean into the hugs of her grand and great-grandchildren, and communicated affection in ways she hadn't before. In the days leading up to her passing, she was surrounded with the prayers of many and the presence of her daughters who experienced special moments with her that made the veil between Heaven and Earth feel peacefully thin.
Our Gratitude, Praises and Thankfulness go out to all those that made her going Home so peaceful. Special thanks to the caregivers at Vitality Senior Living West End Richmond and Affinity Hospice of Midlothian, VA.
In Silence and Appreciation,
Family and Relatives.
Services and interment will be private.
John 11:25-26.
Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection.
and the life, He who believes in Me, though.
he may die, he shall live. And whoever.
lives and believes in Me shall never die"
Memories and Condolences
for Jo Keckley
Bob Edwards
July 26, 2025
What a sweet and kind lady , she was to me! Many morning chats, with coffee, in the Carolina Room!
David, Kristien, Jasper and Cara
August 8, 2024
our sincere condolences
Wanda Click
August 5, 2024
My name is Wanda Keckley Click, I took care of my stepmother of 17 years in 2021, 2022 and some of 2023. I enjoyed spending time with her. We laughed, danced and gave me the honor of being her step daughter...I am forever greatful to her and her alone.
Dave (Postie) & Jean Post
August 5, 2024
We remember JoAnn from the many Long Bay functions. Sweet as can be. Prayers for her Family & friends.
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Dee and Woody
August 5, 2024
We are so sorry to hear about Joann passing. Enjoyed spending time with her and playing cards. My Mom loved having her come to our house.
Betty Jo Payne
August 5, 2024
We loved JoAnn. Spent many days and some nights with her. Loved to hear her say so many times, "Im going to bed". Prayers for all of you. Greg and Betty Jo Payne
Bubba and JaNice Williams
August 2, 2024
So very saddened by this. My Mother passed very young. After becoming Jo and Bill´s neighbors. She became a Mother figure to us.
We spent many many good times together. Always enjoyed hearing about Bucky and her daughters. A great woman indeed.
Her family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Bob Edwards
August 2, 2024
What a kind and sweet lady! Rest in peace!
David W Young, Jr (Ruby)
August 1, 2024
The last time Ruby & I visited Jo Ann & Bill in their home, Longs, SC, I remember both sisters, 8 years in age different, sitting at a table having a bowl of ice cream and cookies. Both were suffering with memory loss, but happy as two young sisters could ever have been. It could easily have been some 75 years ago in their home with a Cistern & Outhouse set on a hillside near Pulaski, Virginia, off Robinson Track Road and at the end of Schrader´s Hill Road.
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