She was born in Suit, NC on November 11, 1921 to the late William and Laura Beaver Keenum. Elease was one of 10 children and was preceded in death by Clint, Pauline, Hubert, Lennell, Guy, Faye, Annabell and Tommy. Left to cherish her memory is her dear sister Eula Dean and her many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
Elease was a dedicated employee at Firestone Textiles. She walked to work and was proud and committed to the only company she ever worked for and retired after 40 years of service.
Elease made a profession of faith to Christ at the early age of twelve and was baptized at Friendship Baptist Church in Suit. She followed Jesus faithfully as a light and guide her entire life and joined Macedonia Baptist Church in Gastonia as a young adult. With a servant’s heart, she taught Sunday school for over 60 years, attended WMU, supported pastoral staff and was a mentor to hundreds. Elease was a great conversationalist with local knowledge and enjoyed discussing Firestone, her church, her family and the mountains of her childhood in Suit. She loved Jesus, read her bible daily, was a prayer warrior with deep faith. Her friends and family entrusted her with their joys and concerns, and she had a well-kept prayer journal.
She spent her final days at Brookdale Senior Living in Gastonia and had excellent care under Hospice.
A visitation will be held from 11:00 am until 12:30 pm on Saturday, August 31, 2024 at Macedonia Baptist Church with the funeral service beginning at 12:30 pm. A committal service will follow at Gaston Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Macedonia Baptist Church, 2021 Garland Avenue, Gastonia, NC 28052.
Please visit www.carothersfuneralhomegastonia.com to leave online condolences and fond memories for the Cole Family.
