Jean Jama Ann Harmon Keel

KEEL, JEAN ANN HARMON, age 83 of Vienna, Va., died May 26, 2011 as she had lived, on her own terms and with an irrepressible sense of humor. It was her determination and optimism that gave her the strength to succeed in the medical field of nursing and carry on after the tragic death of her son. Despite these hardships, she instead devoted her life to caring for others. Born in Scott County, VA and raised in Kingsport, she graduated from Knoxville General Hospital’s R.N. program and earned a degree in teaching from the University of Tennessee. She started the L.P.N. program at Nashville’s Baptist Hospital and served as the head nurse in charge of the Department of Transportation’s clinic in Washington, D.C. She helped establish Kingsport’s Indian Path Hospital, becoming its first director of nursing. She was also night supervisor at Johnson City Eye Hospital, Woodridge Psychiatric Hospital and Middle Tennessee Mental Health Institute. She was a multi-tasker decades before the term was coined, working full time while cooking, sewing, painting, gardening and mastering other skills that made her home a more beautiful place. She was preceded in death by her husband, William A. Keel Jr., and their son, William Baker Keel. She is survived by her daughter Summer O’Brien (Tim); three grandchildren, Ciara, Kayla and Tighe; and extended family. Funeral services will be conducted 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 1, 2011 in Hibbett & Hailey Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Willie Sims officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Visitation with the family 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Tuesday and one hour prior to the service on Wednesday. Condolences may be offered at www.hibbetthaileyfh.com. Arrangements under the direction of Hibbett & Hailey Funeral Home, Nashville, TN.