Jean Caho Keel

Jean Caho Keel, 82, of Kingsport, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, February 5, 2016, after battling cancer for the past seven years. She was born on November 23, 1933, at Spring Creek Road, North Carolina to the late Joseph Shelton Caho and Olivia Challie Caho.

She was a housewife, and worked for seven years at Craven Log in Bridgeton and at North Electric in Kingsport, TN for five years. Jean loved to crochet, knit, do crafts, work puzzles and play Canasta card game. She was loved and will be missed by those who knew her.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Phillip Keel, Sr.; son, Ernest Phillip Keel, Jr.; and great-grandson, Robert Justin Chapman.

She is survived by two daughters, Olivia Mae Stevens and husband, James, and Barbara Jean Ballard; son, Bruce Earl Keel, all of Kingsport, TN; twin sister, Ella Caho Toler of Alliance; four grandchildren, James Phillip Stevens, Wanda Jean Chapman, Heather Brooke Steffan, and Kristi Nicole Potter; three great-grandchildren, Jessica Leann Chapman, James Payton Steffan, and Hadley Reagan Steffan; and two great-great-grandchildren, Paisley Jane Starke and Harper Grace Rogers.

The family would like to thank all of the doctors and nurses that took such good care of her during her battle with cancer. She was very blessed and cared for by the best. A special thanks to Kathy Hall and Shelley Allgood who made her last days at home possible. Also, to all the family and friends who called and sent cards. She loved to read them and was glad to hear from all.

The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 p.m., Sunday, February 7th at Bryant Funeral Home, Alliance.

Her funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, February 8th at Bryant Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Jack Bowen officiating. Interment will follow in Sandhill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to 2016 Kingsport Area Annual Fund Drive, National Breast Cancer Research Center, P.O. Box 96676, Washington, DC 20090-6676.