Marie Tucker Keel, age 80, passed peacefully from this life on November 16, 2014 at her home in Cullman, Alabama. She was born on September 12, 1934 in Cullman Alabama, to Walter M. and Ossie M. Tucker. Marie grew up in the Simcoe community in Cullman County and after marrying her beloved husband, J.D. Keel, lived the large majority of her life in the city of Cullman. She and J.D. were married for 43 years prior to his death in 1995.
Marie is survived by her five children – Vicki (Keel) Lynn, Allan D. Keel, Pam (Keel) Dickinson, Kelly (Keel) DeHaan, and Keith L. Keel (Karren). She is also survived by her three siblings Dalford Tucker (Marie), Barbara Dunn and Sandra Payne (Gary). Other family members are son-in-law, Ronald Lynn, daughter-in-law Dianne Keel, and son-in-law Scott DeHaan. Grandchildren include Brad Lynn, previously deceased Jason Michael Lynn, Virginia Keel, Judson Keel, Cameron Keel, Josh Stancil (Lacy), Michaela Stancil Self (Justin), and Megan Keel. Marie has three great grandchildren – Ella Lynn, Jason D. Lynn and Brooklyn Stancil, and one on the way, Colton Self.
Marie was a respected wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She loved her family and especially spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a long-standing member of First Baptist Church of Cullman and spent many hours with her Sunday school class. She also enjoyed playing bridge with her weekly group and watching/attending University of Alabama Crimson Tide football games.
She fought a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Her strength, endurance and spirit to live was an inspiration to everyone that knew her. Special thanks to the medical personnel and professional care givers who served Marie with skill and compassion during the last years of failing health. They, along with her strong faith in God, made a difference in the quality of her final years.
Visitation services will be held at Moss Funeral Home on Tuesday, November 18, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. A celebration of Marie's life will be held at First Baptist Church in Cullman on November 19, from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. with funeral services to begin immediately thereafter.
