Joy Miller Keerans

Joy Keerans, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2017 at the age of 83. She was born on February 9, 1934 in Omaha, Nebraska to Lee and Cora Miller. Joy was the beloved wife and high school sweetheart of the late Donald L Keerans. She is survived by her loving children and grandchildren: son, Scott Keerans and his wife Amy of North Chesterfield, Virginia and their children Gavin and Morgan, son Thomas Keerans of Coaldale, Pennsylvania and his sons Mark and Tommy, and daughter Lynne and her husband John Omelchenko of Frederick, Maryland and their children Stefan, Monica, and Michael. She is also fondly remembered by her dear friends, Doris Sell, Sal and Sue Vitale and their extended family, and the Brachvogel and Leaman families. Joy graduated with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Omaha with degrees in Physical Education and Home Economics. She taught for many years and continued to substitute teach as her children were growing. Later, she devoted her life to her husband, family, and grandchildren as a homemaker. Her greatest joy was to be surrounded by those she loved. Joy was an active member of the United Methodist Church in several places she lived including Bethpage, New York, Arnold, Maryland, and Richmond, Virginia. In these churches, she was an ardent volunteer in the Youth Ministries, Bible Study and Spiritual Enrichment programs, as well as the summer youth camps. Providence United Methodist Church continued to bring her and Don much love and support when they no longer could attend church on their own. Joy was an avid reader and enjoyed traveling and learning about different places and cultures of the world. In particular, she loved National Geographic and the Smithsonian programs and magazines. Joy and Don’s home was always filled with an array of pets but their greatest love was for their Labrador Retrievers, especially Katie and Shadow who were rescued and provided them with constant love and companionship. The family will receive friends at Providence United Methodist Church, 901 Providence Rd, North Chesterfield, Virginia 23236 on Friday, December 29th at 2:30 PM with a service and burial to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090 www.alz.org or Lab Rescue of Greater Richmond, P.O. Box 1574, Midlothian, VA 23113. Online condolences can be made at www.woodyfuneralhomehuguenot.com