Judy Carol Keeling's Obituary
Judy Carol Smith Keeling was born February 22, 1945, in Houston, Texas, to Charles Kenneth and Julia Page Smith. Judy wed her sweetheart and lifelong love, Howard, on August 27, 1964, and together they lived out a beautiful example of unconditional love and faithfulness. She found great joy and pleasure in being Mom to her three children and Bubby to her sixteen grandchildren, leaving an indelible imprint on each of their hearts. But her greatest joy was in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who saved her by His grace at the age of 28, and whom she served faithfully and fervently until the end. Despite years of suffering afflictions of many kinds, Judy passionately ministered to all those around her, pouring love and encouragement (or even a word of exhortation) into their lives. Judy had a burdened heart for the lost and hurting, giving hope and sharing the good news of salvation without apology. In the final months of her life, she rejoiced as the Lord infused her with even more of that fierce boldness to proclaim the gospel at every opportunity. Occasionally, Judy lamented that she did not have many talents to share – and maybe she was not known as an angelic singer or a gourmet cook – but her legacy is of the lasting kind: a deep love for God, His Word, and His people. In her final two weeks, Judy faced her ultimate battle, ending not in defeat but in the victory of eternal life. Judy was preceded in death by parents, Charles and Julia Smith; uncle, Glenn Smith; and cousin, Dana Adams. She is survived by her beloved husband of 47 years, Howard Keeling; daughter, Kelly Fay, and husband Peter; son, Lance Keeling, and wife Sarah; daughter, Katie Kieschnick, and husband Jeremy; grandchildren, Wesley, Julianne, Hannah, Abigail, Lydia, Elise, Luke, and Hudson Fay; Alaina Peschke, Jonathan, Cole, Wyatt, and Riesa Kieschnick; and Joshua, Caleb, and Andrew Keeling; step-mother, Billie Nell Smith; brothers Michael J. Smith and George Savelle; Sisters Fabian Swartz, Debbie Foyt, and Susan Fritz; aunt, Margaret Smith; cousin, Terri Sigurdson; and numerous extended family and friends. Thank you to all the beloved ones who have been a part of Judy’s life and have supported us, her family, with prayers, comfort, and love. We love you all, and so did Judy. Visitation at Restland Funeral Home, Monday, 6-8 pm. Funeral service at Cornerstone Baptist Church, Wylie, Tuesday, 10:30 am. Interment at Brookside Memorial Park in Houston, Wednesday, 11:30 am.
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