Mildred Jane McKeel

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7,8

Mildred Jane McKeel (Shabaz) died peacefully at the age of 91 at Hospice of Lansing, Stoneleigh Residence.

Born March 6, 1934, in Tehran, Iran, to Philip Joseph Shabaz and Sadie Shabaz (Mushall). Married to Darrel Parvin McKeel. Mildred graduated Michigan State University with a BS in Medical Technology; she earned a Master's degree in Laboratory Management from Central Michigan University.

Mildred worked as a medical technologist at Hurley Hospital in Flint, MI and later at James Decker Munson hospital in Traverse City, MI, where Darrel pastored the Assemblies of God church. They subsequently moved to Howell, MI to take the pastorate of Howell Assembly of God, and Mildred took employment at Parke-Davis pharmaceutical company (later called Warner Lambert and eventually Pfizer) in Ann Arbor, MI. She worked her way up to Senior Research Scientist in charge of clinical laboratories and Study Director designing and shepherding new drug studies through the FDA process, all while raising her two sons with Darrel. An active member of Evangel Temple Assembly of God in Ann Arbor, Mildred served many years as Sunday school superintendent and secretary of the church board.

After retirement, Darrel and Mildred led the senior ministry at Brighton Assembly of God. When their first grandchild was born, they moved to East Lansing and took up the leadership of ministry to seniors at Mount Hope Church in Lansing, while eagerly dedicating much time to their kids and grandkids. Mildred’s valuable input into the lives of those under her ministry and especially into the the lives of her children and grandchildren was life changing. She loved to encourage and share the hope of Christ with all who came to her house — whether friends, contractors, delivery people, or family. Mildred loved the Lord and was intentional to serve him and know him more each day, literally until the day of her promotion into eternity. She was a wonderful example to us all and will be sorely missed.

Mildred is survived by two sons Mark Allen McKeel (Cheryl) and Donald James McKeel (Kim), and four grandchildren Cydney, Josh (Lily), Caemon, and Nate. She is preceded in death by her husband Darrel and her two brothers David and Milton Shabaz.

The funeral service will be held Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 11:00 AM with a visitation one hour prior at Great Lakes Christian Homes, 2050 S Washington Rd. Holt, MI 48842.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to Mildred’s favorite children’s outreach: To see a description and give: https://www.givesendgo.com/mildreds-kids Or make checks payable to: New Beginning Assembly of God, 2193 West Broad St., Cookeville, TN 38501.