Nadine Keesee

Nadine Nance Keesee, age 91, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 21, after a short time in hospice care with Gentiva Hospice, at Dogwood Bend Assisted Living Facility.

She was born on August 1, 1934 to the late Richard Nance and Nellie Nance Gilchrist and was the youngest of nine children born to that union. Nadine accepted Christ at a young age and spent her lifetime serving the Lord in various capacities. She married the late Reverend Ruben Keesee on August 24, 1951 and together they began their ministry of service to the Lord. They ministered to congregations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Tennessee. To assist in her ministry, Nadine taught herself to play the piano so that music could be provided for the worship services.

Nadine and Ruben were the loving parents of five children as well helping to rear numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. Her love for her fellowman was also manifested in her career choice. She spent more than forty years working for the Dept of Human Services with developmentally delayed individuals. She would often bring her “clients” home with her for a family weekend. Nadine retired as a supervisor in 1998 with multiple accolades from the state of New Jersey.

Nadine, for the past year and a half, was a cherished resident at her assisted living community center in Clarksville where she enjoyed crocheting, spending time with others, playing bingo and Uno, and sharing the good news of the gospel with her fellow residents. She continued to serve her church, Martin Chapel AME church, until the decline in her health no longer allowed her to do so, as a pastor’s steward, president of the lay, deaconess and choir member.

She was preceded in death by her husband of more than 60 years, Rev. Ruben Keesee; her parents, siblings and her 2 darling children, Ruben Jr. and Demetrius Keesee.

She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Carolyn (William) Terrell of Clarksville, Tn; Timothy (Dawn) Keesee of Magnolia, DE; Christopher (Patrice) Keesee of Columbia, SC; 11 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Nadine will forever be treasured by all who knew and loved her.