Willow D McKeever

Willow Dean McKeever was one of 7 children born to the union of Rance Hopkins and Mattie Hopper in Columbus Alabama on February 9, 1922. She attended school and married Edward Spruill in Alabama. Of this union two sons were born, James Edward Spruill and Rance Charles Spruill.

The family relocated to Vanport, Oregon in 1940. During this time Willow Dean worked as a wielder in the Kaiser Ship Yards until 1945. The family experienced several moves and Willow Dean maintained an assortment of Jobs and occupations. Willow Dean eventually es-tablished employment at Providence Hospital in Portland, Oregon where she worked in housekeeping for 19 years.

She subsequently married her second husband John R. McKeever in 1972 in Multnomah County. He preceded her in death in 1983. Willow Dean or "Shug" ,as she was affectionately known ,was an active member of the Philadelphia Baptist Church where she sang in the choir for a number of years. She also became a member of Williams Temple.

She loved her family and always placed their needs before her own. She will always be remembered for her sense of style and her impeccable fashion. She is survived by her two sons, James and Rance, her daughter-in-law Denise, 9 Grandchildren 20 Great Grandchildren and 4 Great-Great-Grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.