Helen Mary Barnes McKeown

Helen Mary Barnes McKeown died on June 25, 2015. A native of Alabama and graduate of Murphy High School, she returned to Mobile after residing in Panama City, Florida, and Boston, Massachusetts. She was preceded in death by her parents, Annie Lee Cohron Barnes and Benjamin Marshall Barnes, two sisters-Louise Pinney Gandy and a sister who died in infancy-and her late husband, James Patrick (Mack) McKeown, Jr. Mrs. McKeown had a long career as an executive secretary and administrative assistant. Employers included Edwards Brothers' Furniture, the International Union of Operating Engineers, Zeitz Bottling, Alcoa Steamship, the Alabama State Docks, the Olen Company, Mobile General Hospital and Moore-Handley Hardware. In retirement, she was an avid baker and artist, but it was her job as Grandma and Gigi (great-grandmother) that she loved the most. She is survived by a son and a daughter: Pat McKeown (Anne) and Mary Ann (John) Willis, five grandchildren (Dana McKeown-Mobile, Alabama; Sara (Nick) Pratt-Mobile, Alabama; Kevin McKeown-Mobile, Alabama; Dr. Kristine Willis-Washington, D.C.; Katy (Brian) Carl-Hyattsville, Maryland; and five great-grandchildren (Cecily Davis-Mobile, Leah and George Pratt-Mobile, Frederick and John Carl-Hyattsville). Additional survivors include a very large extended family and a host of friends. Graveside services will be held on Monday, June 29, 2015, at Pine Crest Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family request contributions to Little Flower School (Mobile, Alabama), the Wounded Warrior Project or the Alzheimer's Association. Condolences may be offered at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com. Arrangements by Radney Funeral Home, 3155 Dauphin Street, Mobile, Alabama 36606.