Christine Elaine McKeeman

Christine E. McKeeman was a truly remarkable woman: a devoted and generous wife, daughter, daughter-in-law, mother, grandmother, and friend who loved her family and home deeply. There was nothing she wouldn’t do for her loved ones and friends, especially when they needed help. She passed away on August 4, 2026, after an inspiring and extraordinarily courageous five-year battle with cancer.

Chris (as many of her friends and family knew her) was born April 25, 1953, in Austin, Texas, and grew up in Fort Worth and San Antonio. She graduated from the University of Texas summa cum laude in 1975 with a Bachelor of Arts in English and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi. She went on to receive her Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from the University of Texas School of Law in 1982.

After graduation, Chris practiced privately for nine years, receiving board certifications in both residential and commercial real estate from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. She then trailblazed a new role at the State Bar, serving as the first — and, until her retirement in 2020, only — Executive Director and General Counsel of the Board of Disciplinary Appeals, a position she held for nearly 30 years. While her work could be demanding, she always prioritized time with her family, attending every concert, contest, basketball game, birthday, Scout trip, and family vacation.

She was a master of textiles, including sewing, weaving, knitting, and quilting; played chamber music as both a cellist and pianist; read three to five books at a time (or more), ranging from historical fiction to astrophysics to philosophy; was a gifted astrologer; an avid Bravo fan, and loved her Longhorn football.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bruce and Wanda Batchelor, her husband, Leland, and the family dog, Buddy. She is survived by her children: John Potter of Seattle; Ryan McKeeman and his wife, Lindsey, of Austin and their children Teddy, Jolie, Layla, and Daisy; and her daughter, Jennifer McKeeman, of Austin.

Chris and Leland were married 38 years until his death, and were devoted life partners who adored one another and built a wonderful life together — raising their children, creating a loving home, and simply enjoying life side by side. They were fortunate to travel together to many beautiful places around the world, from New Zealand to Las Vegas to the British Isles. But most of all, they loved being at home together.

Please join the family in a Celebration of Life at 11800 Onion Hollow Run, Austin, Texas 78739 on October 10, 2026 from 10:00AM - 12:00PM.