Leonard Matthew Keele

In the early morning quietness, 5:00 AM, of April 17, 2015 Leonard Matthew Keele made his transition from earth among us to his heavenly abode to be with his Divine Family. He joined his parents, Alonza and Henrietta Keel, his brother James, and his sister Daphne. He leaves one brother, Jasper (Mamie) of Everetts, NC and one sister, Eva J. Williams, of NY. Among others left to cherish his precious memory are his devoted wife of 55 years and 11 months, Susie Smith Keele; one daughter, Monica Keele Jones (Lamonte) of Raleigh, NC; two grandchildren, Victoria Monique Jones of Pennsylvania and Victor Cameron Jones of Greensboro, NC; two sisters-in-law, Eva D. Smith and Betty Smith of Chicago; a special devoted niece, Barbara Williams of Chesapeake; some very special “help where/when needed” friends: Terri Walker, and Betty Stallings who visited him regularly and assisted with care giving and feeding when he became unable to do so; Otha Collins and son-in-law Lamonte who kept him shaved and hair cut and Larry Darden who was Susie and Leonard’s guardian angel throughout his later years, and facility and hospital confinements. Other loved ones include several nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends who visited him regularly. They never allowed him to become lonely or feel lonely. His Facility Room walls were filled with an assortment of greeting cards for every occasion and many “just thinking of you” cards. God blessed Leonard with the opportunity to serve as Daddy, god parent and Grand Daddy to the following and their offspring: Alisa Diane Porter of Chicago, Marlo Taylor and Allen Porter of Chicago; Brittney Porter of Indiana, Marian and Asia Porter of Jackson, TN.; Denise Carrington Falls (Anthony) of Spring Field, VA, Ronald Carrington (Dee) of Manassas, VA, Dolores Carrington Hill (Jerry) of North Chesterfield, VA, Linda and Norma Carrington of Chesapeake, Synora Holley Coe (Jerome) of Manor, TX and Crissy Holly of Portsmouth. These were truly “dear to his heart” whom he loved, nurtured, and disciplined - often too much to their liking, but he was always full of instructions for their betterment and development. Giving children instructions was Leonard’s passion. No one brought a child into his presence who did not get a lecture of love and direction. Leonard’s educational journey began in Everetts, NC. Upon graduating from High School he earned an Associate Degree in Electronics from North Carolina A&T State University, did a military stint in Korea, earned a BS Degree from Hampton University in Industrial Arts and a MS Degree from Virginia State University. Leonard’s career included being an Industrial Arts instructor in the Portsmouth Public School System’s Middle and High Schools and Waverly, VA High School. He retired after 18 years as Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds at Norfolk State University. His work experiences equipped him for numerous opportunities to volunteer and perform helpful deeds for his family, church, and community. His home has special “Keele touches” which include a workshop, additional cabinets, shelves, picture frames, plant stands, shoe racks, bowls, lamps and anything he imagined a home or yard needed. Leonard and Otha took their talents to North Carolina to build Victoria and Victor a tree house equipped with electricity, ceiling fan and all the niceties one can find in a home. He was always providing supplies and building things needed to complete various projects for Susie and organizations she was affiliated with like the Garden Club, the CHROME Club, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, school classrooms and the PTAs, his Zeta Phi Beta sisters and Phi Beta Sigma and Prince Hall Masonic brothers. He shared his talents in church as an enthusiastic Sunday School learner, member of the property committee, and the Diaconate, as an usher, a greeter and by always sharing his wisdom with the children. An example of his carpentry skills can be seen in the church’s Baptism Font which he built. Leonard lived quietly but profoundly. The impact of his life on all he met merits celebrating! In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: Portsmouth United Church of Christ c/o Roof Fund, 5900 Portsmouth Blvd., Portsmouth, VA 23701.

Leonard Matthew Keele

January 23, 1934 - April 17, 2015