Catherine Keen

  • Died: March 27, 2015
  • Location: Oak Ridge, Tennessee

Holley-Gamble Funeral Homes

621 S Charles Seivers Blvd.
Clinton, TN 37716

Tel. (865) 457-2323

Tribute & Message From The Family

Catherine "Cathe" L. Keen (aka "The Penny Lady"), age 65 of Oak Ridge, born October 18, 1949, went to be with the Lord on March 27, 2015, after a long battle with multiple sclerosis. One of the highlights of her life was being known as "The Penny Lady" to coach Joe Gaddis beginning in 1991. Thanks you to Coach Gaddis for his love and support during mom's illness. Cathe was an Eucharistic Minister at St. Mary's Catholic Church for many years and enjoyed making the grounds at the church beautiful. She was employed by Parkwest Medical Center for many years.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Betty Henry; father and stepmother, Arnold and Drucil Henry.
Survivors:
Loving and devoted husband of 44 years: Edward James Keen, Jr
Daughters: Christy Hicks and husband Stewart
Elly Larkin and husband Jonathan
Sisters: Maudean Wallace
Deborah Smiddie and husband Gary
Mother in-law: Mary R. Keen
Sister in-law: Teri Smith
Grandchildren: Emma, Bailey, Owen and Sheldon
Special family friend, Leigh Ann Riker
Special thanks to the many care givers and nurses over the years, especially at Tennova Hospice facility and Kelsey Lunihan.
The family will receive friends Saturday, March 28th from 5-7PM at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton. Funeral service will follow with Pastor Charles Campbell officiating. Private graveside service will be held Sunday, March 29th at 1:00PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the MS Society of East Tennessee or Tennova Healthcare Auxiliary Hospice Fund, 7447 Andersonville Pike, Knoxville, TN 37938. Holley-Gamble Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. www.holleygamblefh.com

Condolence & Memory Journal

I will always love you mamaw...

Posted by Bailey Larkin - Oak Ridge, TN   April 05, 2015

So sorry to hear of the passing of your wife, E.J. The many years together will bring forth a cornucopia of memories of events shared between the two of you...a bittersweet solace to take the place of her touch and voice. Our prayers are with you and your family.

Posted by John F. Creasy - Westmoreland, TN - cousin   March 31, 2015

I worked with her at Park West very precious Lady Prayers for family

Posted by Rebecca Whaley - Knoxville, TN   March 31, 2015

We are really sorry to learn of your loss. Just know you are thought of often and we send our best wishes to you in this time of your grief. Take care of yourself, like you did Cath.

Posted by Ken and Anita Dare - Fremont, MI   March 30, 2015

We are so sorry for your loss, yet the pain had ended and heaven has another angel. May God be with you during this time. We love you always.

Posted by Kristy Styles Herron (Tanner & Maci) - Oak Ridge, TN - Family Friend   March 30, 2015

Ya'll have my deepest sympathies and prayers with the loss of your wife and mother. Jim- I have the fondest memories of sitting with you and Cathe looking at pictures of ya'lls adventures on the motorcycle and just talking. My time living next door to ya'll was made easier as ya'll made me feel welcome from the get go. My prayers are with ya'll. Cathe is in a better place and she is smiling down at ya'll without any pain. Jim- please let me know if there is anything I can do.
Marlen

Posted by Marlen - Westmont, IL - Friend   March 30, 2015

Sorry for your loss. May God give you His peace that surpasseth understanding.

Posted by Patti Pearson Davenport - McMinnville, TN - Friend   March 29, 2015

I was trying to locate Cathe just a week or so ago. We are 3 or 4th cousins. I had not seen her in 30 years or more. It sounds as though she led a happy life despite the MS. I have Parkinsons so I know some of what she went thru. God bless her family, children and grandchildren. Wish I had been able to connect with her.

Posted by Linda Monk O'Brien - knoxville, TN   March 29, 2015

Jim,
Sorry for your loss.

Posted by Randy - knoxville, TN - friend   March 29, 2015

Candle

She was a very beautiful,loving,and caring woman.When I took care of her she treated me like i was one of her own,and gave me great advice,and always made me feel better. She will be very much missed but never forgotten. R.I.P Cat and God Bless!

Posted by Brandy Strickland - Friend   March 28, 2015

i always enjoyed vising Mrs.Keen she was very sweet lady. She will be very well missed my God Bless the family as the days forward to come.

Posted by Brandon Robertson - Denton, NC - Friend   March 28, 2015

Elly and family, I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. Sending you all love and prayers.

Posted by Patti Duncan - Oak Ridge, TN   March 28, 2015

My sister was the strongest, loving person I have ever known. She always put others before herself. She fought a long hard battle with MS and never complained or asked why me. She was truly an inspiration to all that knew her. I have many fond memories of her and I will cherish them always. Her girls were her pride and joy and Jim was the love of her life. Isaiah 35:6 says "At that time the lame will leap like the deer." I look forward to watching Cathy dance! Love you Cat. Deb

Posted by Deborah Smiddie - Crossville, TN - Sister   March 28, 2015

Cathe is home where she longed to be. Her life was filled with the love of her family and friends. Never complained about the awful disease that disabled her body. She was such a humble and sweet soul. Certainly will be missed by all her knew her. Much love and prayers go to the family she leaves behind.l May God comfort you in the days ahead. Love,Teri

Posted by Teri Smith - Oliver Springs, TN - sister-in-law   March 27, 2015