Grace Eugenia Keenan Steed

Grace Eugenia Keenan Steed, 88, passed away Monday, December 19, 2016. A Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at 1:00pm at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Father Scott Winchel officiating. Burial will follow in Macon Memorial Park Cemetery. A Rosary and prayers will be said Tuesday night at 6:00pm with visitation to follow at Macon Memorial Park Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org or Pine Pointe Hospice, 6261 Peake Road, Macon, 31210.

Grace was born in Bleckley County, Georgia, to the late William Franklin Benson and Winnie Elizabeth Bryant and was preceded in death by her husbands, Patrick David Keenan Jr. of 37 years and Albert Steed; son, Patrick David Keenan, III; and granddaughter, Rebecca Alls. She was the last surviving sibling of the ten Benson children. Grace was a Bell South retiree and enjoyed being involved in the Telephone Company Pioneers, where community service is its core value. Grace was proudly an original “Rosie the Riveter” during WWII with Wellston Air Depot at Robins Field (now Robins Air Force Base) constructing airplanes. Grace, a devout Catholic, was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, where she and all six of her children were baptized. She enjoyed gardening and working on large puzzles, many of which were framed and hung in her home, and given to her children and grandchildren as gifts. She showed her love for her family by cooking and having large family meals serving fried chicken and okra. She took pride in her family and could always be counted on for good words of advice. Grace will always be remembered for her strength, generosity, and her warm-hearted and gentle spirit. Her welcoming nature will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Grace is survived by her children, Michael (Kay) Keenan, Ruth Lyles, Eileen (Wes) Eardley, Grace Ann (Tom) Wade and Teresa (Mike) Peace; 15 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.

Visit www.maconmp.com to express condolences.

Macon Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery have charge of arrangements.