Nora R. McKeown

Nora was born on August 5, 1959, in Hartsville, South Carolina, to the late William Douglas Russ and Martha Jean Russ.

Nora graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Go Heels!) and moved to Wilmington, North Carolina with her husband in 1984, where she worked in office management for Adecco for more than 30 years before retiring several years ago. She found great peace on the porch with a good book, watching the birds alongside her husband, Danny. Nora loved the Lord with her whole heart and devoted many years to teaching Children’s Sunday School and serving in the youth ministry alongside Danny. She impacted so many lives at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church with her generous heart and joyful spirit. She loved the beach and, more than anything, spending time with her family and friends.

If you knew Nora, you knew the gentlest of hearts and the warmest of hugs. She was passionate about making the people around her feel known and loved and was a mother to everyone around her.

Nora is survived by her loving husband of 42 years, Daniel ("Danny") McKeown; her son, Douglas ("Doug") McKeown, his wife, Sara, with their son and one of the greatest joys of her life, Caleb; her daughter, Adrian McKeown; her sisters, Martha Edens and her husband, Mike, and Carroll Hollenhead and her husband, Jim; along with one niece, five nephews and their families, many extended family members, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William Douglas Russ and Martha Jean Russ.

We will remember Nora for her beautiful kindness and steadfast strength. She was our heart, our soul, and our compass. She always chose what was right over what was easy, no matter how difficult the path might be. Her example challenged all of us to be better.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, June 21, at 3:00 p.m. at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, 1401 College Road, Wilmington, NC 28403. A visitation will precede the service at 2:00 p.m., and a reception will follow for all who would like to remain.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of Novant Medical Center for their care and support, as well as the numerous family members and friends who have provided such generous love and kindness.

In lieu of flowers, spend time with those you love, speak kindness to a stranger, and take a few extra minutes to hear their story. She was the very best of us at this.

If you feel so inclined, donations may be made to Novant Health Foundation's Compassionate Cancer Care program or to a local church or organization that is meaningful to you.

"Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

Psalm 23:6

OXOX