Ernestine Keen

Ernestine B. Keen, 85, died peacefully on September 17, 2013. Known as Granny Teen by most and Butterbean by her grandchildren, her earliest nickname was Ramekin, a fitting description of her strong-willed and fun-loving nature. Nothing made her happier than a dinner out, sangria, a mocha latte, a baseball game, a small child, or a good chat. Born in Chattanooga the daughter of a railroad switchman, Ernestine attended Lakeview High School and was a lifelong learner. She returned to school after raising her family, obtaining her B.S. and M. Ed. from the University of Chattanooga, her Education Specialist degree from the University of Georgia, and, at the age of 55, her Doctor of Education from Nova University. She spent sixteen happy years teaching at Fairview Elementary and Happy Valley Elementary in Rossville, GA. She was a Research Teacher in the Gwinnett County Title I Program in Atlanta before serving as the Title I Reading Coordinator for the Henry County Board of Education in McDonough, GA from 1975 until her retirement in 1988. She was a longtime member of the Henry County Reading Association, the International Reading Association, and the Georgia Reading Association where she was inducted into the Georgia Reading Hall of Fame. In her spare time, she tutored students under the protection of the Henry County Juvenile Court. Granny Teen was a devoted member of the Silverdale Cumberland Presbyterian Church, a frequent teacher in her Sunday school class, an active participant in the Women's Ministry, a member of the Young at Heart Group, and a passionate follower of Christ. She was known to carry around a baggie of quarters to give to the children for them to donate to the building of new churches. Ernestine is survived by daughter Kathryn and Tommy Gregory, daughter Paula Southwood, and son Mike and Debbie Keen; grandchildren Leigh Anne Battersby, Jackie and Dee Davenport, Jennifer Gregory, and Misty and Vince Bush; great-grandchildren Fiona Battersby, Jared Davenport and Joli and Brynn Bush; sister Juanita and Bill Horton; and numerous nieces, nephews, step grandchildren, cousins and family friends. She will join her husband of 52 year, James Sterling Keen, parents Austin and Flora Matthews Brewer, brothers Henry and Leon Brewer, son-in-law John Southwood, and grandson Luke Battersby. The family would like to express their gratitude to the many friends at Morning Pointe Assisted Living at Greenbrier Cove for enriching Granny Teen's last months. The family will receive friends at the Silverdale Cumberland Presbyterian Church on Saturday from 1:00-3:00 with a service in celebration of her life immediately following at 3:00. Pastors Christian Smith and Olen "Bud" Russell will officiate. A private burial will be held at the Chattanooga National Cemetery. Granny Teen was a firm believer in the power of donation, and would much prefer that friends wishing to memorialize her, in lieu of flowers, make a donation to their favorite charity, to the Silverdale Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 7407 Bonny Oaks Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37421 or the Georgia Reading Association, 335 Cypress Lane, Stockbridge, GA 30281. Arrangements are by Wilson & Sons Funeral Home, Ft. Oglethorpe.