Claire Collette Desmond Keller Obituary (1925 - 2017)

Claire Desmond Keller, 92, passed away Wednesday, August 23, 2017 at her home. She was born April 8, 1925 in Kansas City, MO, daughter to Ray G. Desmond and Merl Newell Desmond. A fun fact for later in life was to learn this date of April 8th, having always believed she was born on April 7, 1925. This "new birthdate" gave her extra time to celebrate. She spent the majority of her young life in Omaha, NE. At the onset of World War II, this strong-willed young woman ventured to San Antonio, TX to work for the Army Air Corp in their payroll department. Through her lifelong love for dancing, she met a young Greene County pilot, who also "dreamed big." In their own ways, they gave much to the war effort during that time. After the war, Claire came to Greene County to visit Kenneth Paul Keller. Thankfully, on November 16, 1946, during this visit, they surprised both families by getting married. And the rest became "family history and fun." She was preceded in death by her husband: Kenneth Keller (1995). They both worked and lived in Kingsport, TN, and she was always active in her community, Claire raised two daughters who survive her. Katherine Smithwick (Robert) of Knoxville, TN, and Colette Parkins (Ed) of Greeneville, TN. Her real pride and joy were 3 grandchildren, Daniel and Sarah Smithwick of Seymour, TN, Laura and Tim Airhart, of Knoxville, TN and Garren and Linsey Parkins of Jonesboro, TN. They blessed her with 7 GREATs who always made her feel grand, Megan, Matthew, Griffin, Ethan, Andrew, Katherine Mae, and Wyatt. To these survivors, she was MAE. Claire "MAE" delighted in family adventures and travels. Ever the girl willing to accept a challenge, she continued to learn as she settled into Senior Living in Knoxville. The family would like to give special thanks to Elmcroft of West Knoxville, who gave much care and pleasure to Claire. Their supportive environment made her last days a time of celebration. The graveside service will be held Saturday, September 9, 2017 at 11am at Zion U.M. Cemetery at Baileyton with Rev. Tom Phillips officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Colonial Heights Presbyterian Church, 213 Colonial Heights Rd., Kingsport, TN 37663. This was Claire's church of 63 years. To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Claire Collette Desmond Keller, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store. print Print Obituary