Alice Keel

Alice Katy (Suggs) Keel was born on October 31, 1937, in Southport, NC, the second child of the late Joseph Henry Suggs and Mildred Smith-Suggs.

As a young child, she moved to Chadbourn, NC, under the care of her grandaunt, Mary Elizabeth Suggs-Vaught, affectionately known as "Aunt Lizzy." Alice spent some time in Baltimore, Maryland, with family before returning to Chadbourn, where she entered the West Columbus school system. There, she excelled in mathematics and was a very studious child.

In Chadbourn, Alice met and married the late Clarence Keel and started a family. In 1962, they moved to Brooklyn, New York, in search of better opportunities. Her love for mathematics proved useful as she became a bookkeeper at the Sherburn Shirt Company of New York and later at the YMCA of Greater New York, from which she eventually retired.

Alice had a variety of interests and hobbies, including baking, sewing, crossword puzzles, and trivia-based game shows.

Throughout the years, Alice maintained a fierce love for the Lord and instilled these values in her family. Though life’s journey took her far and wide, Alice’s heart remained steadfast with the First Missionary Baptist Church of Chadbourn, North Carolina. She cherished her lifelong connection to her home congregation, speaking fondly of it wherever her path led.

Alice went through life with a positive attitude, an open heart, and a smile on her face. She was quick-witted and had a great sense of humor. Most importantly, Alice loved and was deeply loved by her family.

She was preceded in death by her beloved siblings, Franklin “Frankie” Lionel Suggs of Chadbourn and Joanne (Suggs) Darden of Queens; her cherished children Luvenia Keel, Clarice Keel, Clarence Gregory Keel, and Mildred Keel-Williams; and her dear granddaughter, Ashley Carson.

Alice leaves behind a loving family, including her daughters Beverly Fedrick, Marilyn Simmons (with husband Alonzo), Sylvia Keel, and Melody Keel (with Calvin Williams). She is also survived by her special nephews James Darden (with wife Sandra) and Cedric Scott (with wife Yolanda).

Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Latasha Fields (James), Tyneka McGlone (Taj Sr.), Khareef Keel, Travis Patterson (Ashley), Anthony Keel, Mari Williams (Jared Moskovitz), Joseph Keel (Patrice), Alicia Keel, Antwone Patterson, Calvin Williams, and Zanaia Brown.

Alice also leaves behind numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will forever cherish her memory.

D&A Funeral Services of Chadbourn are here to serve the Keel family with compassion and care.