Nellie Mae Kee

Nellie Mae (Francis) Kee, Born October 28, 1925, affectionately known by many as “Pooh-Kat”, passed away on December 18, 2023, at the age of 98. Nellie was born in Seaboard North Carolina to William and Dorethea Francis and was one of five siblings.

Nellie spent the early years of her life in the Seaboard North Carolina area until relocating to West Brighton in Staten Island making it her new home. Nellie was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her family was the most important and proudest aspect of her life.

Nellie was a strong-willed, self-driven, and powerfully outspoken mother of six children who wanted nothing more than an opportunity to provide a better life for her family. Nellie was determined to achieve this goal for her kids. She was the motivating force behind the family's move from North Carolina in 1957 to Staten Island. This courageous move indeed led to a better life for her family and their offspring. Nellie was known for her honest and outspoken “tell it like it is” attitude. She was deeply loved and highly respected in her community, church, and family.

Nellie loved working with underprivileged children and teenagers during her 25+ years of employment at Mount Loretto Home for Boys & Girls in Staten Island. She was a positive guiding force and mother figure to all the girls and significantly impacted their lives. Nellie’s hobbies included playing dominos, working on puzzles, and singing throwback R&B and traditional gospel songs while playing the electronic piano keyboard. Above all, sewing, knitting, and crocheting were her passions and she enjoyed making things such as clothing, knitting sweaters, and crocheting tablecloths for all her family members and friends.

Nellie was preceded in death by her husband John Kee Sr., daughter Shirley Bush, granddaughter Trina Bush, grandson David Wilson, and daughter-in-law Judith Kee. She leaves to mourn her three sons, John Jr., William, and Arklin (wife Margeaux), and two daughters, Clorinda Woods (husband Clarence) and Margaret McLaughlin as well as 10 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and close friend and former daughter-in-law Laura Kee in addition to numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many lifelong friends. Nellie will be greatly missed by all and never forgotten.

Special thanks to former daughter-in-law Laura Kee for her comforting love, loyal support, and extensive medical advice.

Also, special thanks to the staff of Sea View Hospital Rehabilitation Center & Home for the exemplary care she received.

A visitation for Nellie will be held on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, from 2:00 to 4:00 & 7:00 to 9:00pm at Harmon Funeral Home, 571 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY 10310. A funeral service will occur Thursday, December 28, 2023, at 10:00 AM at St Philips Baptist Church, 77 Bennett St, Staten Island, New York 10302. A burial will occur Thursday, December 28, 2023, at Moravian Cemetery, 2205 Richmond Rd, Staten Island, New York 10306.