Mary Esther (Roberts) Keeby

     On March 17, 1955, Mary Esther Roberts Keeby, was born to Mae Eva (Roberts) Edwards and Freddie J. Brinson, in Claxton, GA.  She was named after her grandmother the late Queen (Mary Esther) Roberts. Mary Esther always had a zest for life from an early age. She may have been short in stature, but she was always mighty in spirit.  Mary received her education in Evans County Public School systems, first as an Evans County Longhorn and later as a Claxton Tiger.  She participated in various school activities and organizations as a student in both schools.

     Mary Keeby accepted Christ at an early age and was a faithful member at Thomas Grove A.M.E Church, in Claxton GA.  She enjoyed working with the youth department, missionary, teaching Sunday School and singing in the church choir.  She was dedicated to doing the work of the Lord and spreading the goodness of His word throughout her life.  She instilled these same values in her children and did not hesitate to share those values with anyone she ever met.

     She was married to Oria “Skip” Keeby, and from their union four children were born.  Mary lived for her children.  She was a very devoted mother to her children and even more dedicated to her grandchildren, who she helped raise.

     She graduated from Ogeechee Tech with an associate degree in business administration.  She worked in various occupations, but she retired from the Georgia State Prison.  Ms. Keeby was a force to be dealt with in the prison system and many admired her for her strength and her guidance.  She retired after 16 years of service and shortly after retirement she moved to Warner Robbins, GA.  There she continued to help raise her grandchildren, which brought much joy and fulfillment to her life.  Mary loved her family and her children dearly.

     She was preceded in death by her father Freddie J. Brinson, her brothers Lee Anthony Williams, Denis P. Williams, brother-in-law Robert Lee Smith, uncles Jimmy Roberts, Paul Roberts, John Roberts and grandmother Queen Roberts.

     She leaves to cherish her memory her parents Mae Eva and Robert Edwards, her children Sherry McBride (Tyrone Jr.), Chris Keeby, Samantha Keeby, and Mark Keeby.  Her grandchildren Kayla Shareef, Malik Shareef, Chelsea Keeby, Heaven Keeby, Nicholas Savage.  Her siblings Joseph Roberts (Kathrine), Martha Dean Brantley (Raymond), Mark Durden (Polly), Eva Smith, Annette McCoy (Billy), Donna Patrick, Michael Branch (Monica), Dale Branch, Kevin Branch, Timothy Edwards, Craig Edwards (Rashunda), Rafaki Gardner and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

     Mary Esther Keeby will be missed dearly, but her memory will live on through all the lives her presence and spirit has touched.

Psalms 91: 1-2

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High,
shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress:
My God, in Him I will trust.”

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