Margie Alford Keese Obituary in Knoxville at Unity Mortuary

Obituary For Margie Alford Keese

Margie Alford Keese – age 100 transitioned home
to be with the Lord on Thursday, July 20, 2023 at
Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, Knoxville,
TN. She is preceded in death by her loving husband,
Bryant Keese; parents, Freeman and Rosa Alford;
brothers, Maceo Sr., Herman, Deeman, Freeman,
and Edward Lee Alford; sisters, Elizabeth (Noody)
Alford Smith and Deloris Alford Tims.

She leaves to cherish her memory loving and
devoted nephew, Michael Alford, Chattanooga, TN
and niece, Jacqueline Alford-Stanfield, Covington,
GA along with other special nieces and nephews
that were close to her heart; Teresa, Sharon, Maceo, Jr., Marzell and Theron Alford; sister-n-law, Mrs. Edna Keese-Sanders; daughter by marriage, Mrs.
Crystal Bell-Styles, devoted cousins, Katrina Bush-Capshaw and Jarrett Bush.

She was raised in the Mechanicsville and Lonsdale communities; and attended Sam E. Hill Elementary School, graduating from Austin High School and attended Knoxville College. She joined Rogers Memorial Baptist Church at the age of 15 and has been a faithful member for 85 years where she served in several capacities, as a student at Knoxville College she worked as the Church Secretary and lent her talents to work with the young people’s choir. Because of her unwavering love for the Seniors she became
the first president of the Joy Club Senior Ministry (Just Older Youth) and was also faithful in the JoAnna P. Moore Missionary Society, now known as the Mission Ministry.

She worked for the Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation (KCDC), previously known as the Knoxville Housing Authority for 25 years,
serving Thousands of residents and taking special care of seniors at Austin Homes, Lonsdale Homes and the Walter P. Taylor Homes.

In 1981, Ms. Margie saved the Walter P. Taylor Senior Center from closing
and led the campaign to have it renamed the Dr. Lee Williams Complex, after
the late physician and civic leader; and she also served as the Grand Marshal
of the Lonsdale Homecoming Parade in 2022; and her contributions to the
people of Knoxville are too many to list. She was an inspiration to all who
knew her. To know Margie was to love her. She loved her community and
all that she encountered during her daily walk in service.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, July 30, 2023 from 1:30-2:30
p.m. with Celebration of Life Service to follow at 2:30 p.m. at the Unity
Mortuary Chapel with Rev A. D. Baxter officiating.

The final resting place will be held at the TN State Veterans Cemetery (Lyons
View) on Monday July 31, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. A dove release will conclude.

Unity Mortuary is honored to serve this family. www.unitymortuary1979.com.

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I got the privilege to be Margie's neighbor the last few years of her life and to form the sweetest relationship with her. Margie always told me that God brought me to her and I always agreed that God brought us together. Margie brought so many smiles and so much laughter to my life. I don't know if she ever realized that I needed her as much as she needed me. If ever i felt sad all I had to do was go visit with her and I'd always walk back home with a smile. Her stories and her way of viewing the world never failed to lift my spirits. When I would tell Margie that I love her she would tell me "I know you do. I love you too." My heart is heavy with grief at the loss of my dear friend, but to know that she knew she was loved makes that grief a little lighter to carry. Margie was loved by many, and I got to meet so many wonderful people through my friendship with her. I'll forever cherish the time I got to spend with her. ~ Jamie Hodge

na

Psalm 23:1-4 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Our deepest heartfelt sympathy for Ms. Margie Alford-Keese, who was a dear neighbor, career woman and Mother figure to us on Ben Hur. She was very soft spoken with a kind and gentle spirit. May the PEACE of GOD that surpasses all understanding bring comfort to ALL now and forever. Treasure the memories of your Love ❤️ Ones in your Hearts 💕 forevermore. Continual prayers 🙏 for all. Missed, but NEVER Forgotten. What a blessed life well Lived. Lillian West-Collins & Family, Jamesena West-Hardin & The Hardin Boyz

na

Aunt Margie was a wonderful person who was always there for us and helped to mode me onto the kind of man that I became. She was always there for me and I will truly, truly miss her. Love yourgmbpn9 nephew, Maceo Alford Jr and family

na

Sorry for your loss.

na

Condolences to the families of Mrs.Keene. She'll be missed, keep y'all in prayer.🙏🏽

na

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

Unity Mortuary | Knoxville, TN

Theresa Alford sent Serene Lily Basket for Margie Alford Keese - July 29, 2023

Beautiful memories are silently kept of an aunt we loved dearly and will never forget. Thank you for building a path of good that everyone can follow you though. Love your niece, Teresa Alford Moore

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