Devona Leigh (Weitzel) Keith

On June 1, 2024, the streets of Heaven erupted into a spontaneous and joyous homecoming celebration as Jesus welcomed Knoxville resident Devona Keith to her new home. The front-row welcoming committee included Devona’s parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and nephew… as well as many of her precious pets including Hank, Sue, Fred, and Nugget. While her earthly family is deeply saddened to lose their beloved wife, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, niece, and cousin much too early, they know she is now in her eternal home and rejoice in the earthly legacy she has left.

Devona Leigh Weitzel Keith was born February 18, 1965 in Prospect, Pennsylvania to her parents Ronald Calvin and Shirley Ann McCandless Weitzel, both of whom preceded her in death. Devona was the youngest of five children and the only daughter… and clearly they saved the best for last. Growing up with four older brothers likely toughened her up just a bit. The family moved from western Pennsylvania to Jonesboro, Georgia in 1972, and Devona graduated from Jonesboro Senior High School in 1983.

In 1997, a work associate introduced her to Jeff Keith, the love of her life. Devona and Jeff were married in November of 2000 and made Knoxville their home where she became a huge fan of the University of Tennessee.

Devona was a strong, courageous woman of faith who fought and won a tough battle with cancer in 2015. Throughout this most recent battle, her spirit remained positive because she knew to Whom she belonged and Where her next residence would be. Her lifelong peaceful and joyful demeanor was fully intact in her final days and on display for all who spent time with her.

Family was the center of Devona’s life, and nothing made her light up more than being with those she dearly loved. She was, in many ways, the glue that bound her family together. After her father passed away in 2014, she was intent on keeping her siblings close despite living across three different states. She launched “Weitzel-fest” in December 2014, and it became a much loved and anticipated semi-annual family gathering.

Devona also adored animals… including dogs, cats, cows (especially #15) and the farm donkey, Percy. Their dog Millie comforted her at home in her final days and stayed close by her feet. She loved life on her and Jeff’s small cattle farm, which evoked fond memories of her early days in western Pennsylvania and the dairy/chicken farm that her paternal grandparents owned.

Devona is survived by her husband Jeff Keith; brothers: Terry (Sybil) Weitzel of Tyrone, GA; Dale Weitzel of Knoxville; Dave (Nancy) Weitzel of Milledgeville, GA; and Chuck (Kathy) Weitzel of Hampton, GA; brothers-in-law: Gary (Linda) Keith of Walland, TN; Brian Keith of Union, KY; as well as aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, a grandnephew and friends, all of whose lives were immeasurably enriched for having been known and loved by Devona.

A celebration of Devona’s life will be held at Berry Lynnhurst Funeral Home on Saturday, June 15, 2024 at 2pm with a reception to follow, where family and friends will come together to honor and remember the woman who brought so much joy and laughter to their lives. The family requests in lieu of flowers that a memorial contribution be made to Smoky Mountain Children's Home.