Mary Keller

Mary Virginia Keller departed this life on, Tuesday, February 19th at the age of 87. She was born in Jackson, Missouri on March 16, 1920, the first child of Charlotte Medley and Harold Deck Mabrey.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 60 years Alfred William Keller, her parents, one sister, Dr. Charlotte Wells, and two brothers, Dr. John P. Mabrey and Thomas A. Mabrey.

She is survived by her children, Sally Deck Tibbs and husband Dr. John F. Tibbs of Missoula, Montana, and Dr. Al Keller and wife Sara, of North Little Rock. Grandsons Will and Ben Keller of North Little Rock also survive her, as well as granddaughters Amy Tibbs and husband Ted Herzog, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Clare Brightman and husband Aaron of Santa Cruz, California. Three great-grandchildren, Adam and Joel Tibbs, and Camille Brightman also survive her, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Those who knew Mary Virginia were aware of her passion for, and belief in, the value of education. She was a 1937 graduate of North Little Rock High School, and was proud of the fact that she was the 1936 homecoming queen, a story she often enjoyed recounting. She graduated from Little Rock Junior College in 1940. Her education was interrupted by the pangs of the great depression and the Second World War. She and Alfred were wed on April 4, 1942. Sally was born eleven months later, and Al arrived in 1951. During those years, and through the mid-1960?s, she worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company.

It was at this point, with Sally off to college, and Al able to fend for himself to some degree, she was able to fulfill a life-long dream of returning to college. She took courses part-time at what by now had become Little Rock University, and earned her Bachelor?s degree in 1966. She was now able to do what she had always desired, teach. Her career began at Ridgeroad Junior High School in North Little Rock. Shortly thereafter, Alfred?s job with Southwestern Bell called the family to Jonesboro. She continued teaching in the Jonesboro Public School System, at Annie Camp Junior High. Never one to miss an educational opportunity, Mary Virginia took advantage of her new location and began taking postgraduate courses at Arkansas State University. She earned her Master?s degree in 1969.

The family moved back to North Little Rock. She taught history in the public school system at North Little Rock Northeast High School until her retirement in 1983. She won many accolades and honors during her career. Her legacy as an educator was begun by her mother Charlotte, and is continued by daughter Sally, and granddaughter Clare.

She was active throughout her life in many organizations. She was a life-long member of the First United Methodist Church of North Little Rock. Although she was unable to physically attend services for a number of years, she faithfully watched the broadcasts of Sunday morning services from Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church. She treasured her time as a member of the North Little Rock Junior Auxiliary, and later the Junior League, and was named the League?s outstanding sustainer for 1984-85. She just never could get Alfred to agree to dance with her in the Follies! In the 1930?s, Mary Virginia?s mother Charlotte, and a group of her friends founded the Park Hill Garden Club. It was around fifty years later that the founding members suddenly realized they were all becoming somewhat old! At this time, Mary Virginia and other relatives of the founders were ?invited? to join this ?exclusive? organization. The tradition is now carried on by her daughter-in-law Sara, and many other ?youngsters? in their fifties! She was a member of the honorary teaching sorority Delta Kappa Gamma, and served as a member of the Arkansas Children?s Hospital Auxiliary, where she would use her education skills, reading to sick children.

In her later years, in what would prove to be her greatest challenge, she fought and defeated advanced lung cancer, which was diagnosed in 1998. She prevailed in this battle, against what are still today nearly impossible odds. It is sincerely hoped that her story may serve as an inspiration for many facing similar circumstances.

She leaves behind her family and a host of friends, and scores of former students, the later of which are arguably her ultimate legacy.

Funeral services and a celebration of the life of Mary Virginia will be on Friday, February 22nd at 11:00 A: M, at the North Little Rock First United Methodist Church, 6701 John F. Kennedy Blvd., with Dr. Ben Jordan presiding. The family will be available in the parlor of the Church at 10:00 to receive friends, guests, and well-wishers. Internment will follow at Roselawn Cemetery in Little Rock. She will be in state Thursday, February 21st from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., NLR In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Junior League of North Little Rock, P.O. Box 9043, NLR, 72119-9043; The Arkansas Children?s Hospital Foundation, 800 Marshall St., Slot 661, LR, 72202; or the charity or Church of one?s choice.

The family truly wishes to thank all of those who have helped her over the past few years, including her skilled physicians and nurses, the staff of Presbyterian Village in Little Rock, and long-term caregiver Debbie Zompakos. The family gives special thanks to all of the doctors and nurses who made her final days comfortable and peaceful at Baptist Health North Little Rock.

?Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever.?

Services conducted by North Little Rock Funeral Home, 758-1170. Online obituary and guest register at www.nlrfh.com.